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Schwarzenegger signs bill banning texting by motorists
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by Dave Keating | September 25, 2008 at 02:49 am
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California will ban drivers from sending text messagesn while driving, after the governor signed legislation banning the practice into law. Since July, California drivers have been banned from using their cell phones in their carswithout hands-free devices, but the law did not cover text messaging.
Get ready to remove your fingers from that tiny keyboard while driving.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday signed into law a measure banning motorists from text-messaging and e-mailing while operating a vehicle.
The law, written by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, takes effect Jan. 1.
"Building on legislation already helping save lives in California, I am happy to sign this bill because it further encourages safe and responsible driving," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Banning electronic text-messaging while driving will keep drivers' hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians."
Drivers caught using their phones to write, read or send messages will be hit with a $20 ticket the first time and $50 on each subsequent offense. The penalty is a base fine, which is uniform across the state, but does not include the fees added by local municipalities.
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Dave Keating
London, United Kingdom
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 03:09 on September 25th, 2008
Dave Keating, I like this story. It's good stuff.
Good!!
at 08:17 on September 25th, 2008
Dave Keating, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 09:44 on September 26th, 2008
In the UK the use of mobile (cell) phones whilst driving has been illegal for some time now, however drivers are still allowed to use their mobiles phones providing it is hands free or in an emergency. And since the legislation was introduced the penalties have been gradually increased because imposing a small fine was not much of a deterrent, although there are still number of people who still flout the law. Now there is talk of banning all use of phones whilst driving.
It is now emerging that using Sat Nav systems may also now be a contributing factor in road accidents.