Subject: New Texting While Driving Penalties Signed Into Law Dear Jeffery, I am pleased to inform you my bill that would significantly increase the penalties for texting or talking on a handheld device while driving, which includes a possible license suspension, was recently signed into law. Specifically, my law doubles the fine for a first offense to not less than $200, a second offense is not less than $400, and a third and subsequent offense is a fine of not less than $600. Furthermore, after a third offense, a judge will have the option to suspend the license of a driver for 90 days. In addition, the law ensures that a portion of the funds from the fines will go towards driving education campaigns discussing the dangers of texting and using handheld devices while driving. We have all been driving and looked over at the vehicle next to us, in front or behind and have seen the driver with their head down as they text and drive putting us and them at risk. I was shocked when researching these actions to find study after study showing texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving because the driver is not even looking at the road and their reaction times are significantly reduced. I want to thank Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman John McKeon for their help on this important legislation. Their assistance was crucial in getting this new law passed. The current law which fined drivers $100 clearly has not been effective. This new law will go into effect July 1, 2014. Thank you,
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 03:27:24 +0000
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