McDonnell to get bill cracking down on texting behind the wheel
Legislation that would strengthen enforcement and increase penalties for texting while driving is on the way to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s desk.
By a vote of 28-12, the state Senate this afternoon passed House Bill 1907, which already has been passed by the House of Delegates. The bill would allow police to stop drivers for using a “handheld personal communications device” to send or view text messages and emails. Existing state law treats texting while driving as a secondary offense, meaning police must have cause to stop a driver for a separate offense before issuing a citation for texting.
Drivers found guilty of the offense would face a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 fines for subsequent offenses. The legislation also would impose a $500 mandatory minimum fine for someone convicted of a reckless driving that occurs while a driver is texting.
The bill now goes to McDonnell, who has raised concerns about listing specific activities to be banned while driving. McDonnell aides have said the governor will review the bill before deciding how to act.
The House will vote Wednesday on an identical bill that already has been passed by the Senate.
– Michael Sluss
February 19, 2013 - 1:15 PM
Don’t be surprised if money trumps safety.
A fine is not going to stop people from texting. Why not just give people the freedom to be morons if they wish and face the ramifications of their actions in jail if they injure another person or their property?
The fact is that if signed,police could pull you over because they THINK you are texting.Don’t look down at a redlight. This will just open the door for police to pull you over at will.
Yeah, we can “crack down” on texting and people recklessly using a phone…
@3 Jack, you are right. A bill such as this would give more power to the police state we are already living in.