Increase Penalty Texting While Driving

Currently, the penalty for text messaging while driving is a $50 fine and one point assessed against the violator's driver's license for a first offense and a $100 fine and one point assessed against the violator's driver's license for a second or subsequent offense. The bill increases the penalty to a $300 fine and 4 points for each offense. A driver may not be cited for text messaging while driving unless the driver was also operating the motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)