With states around the U.S. beefing up their laws against distracted driving, motorists who have a hard time putting down that phone should be aware of what could happen if they’re caught in the act.
(Online Auto Insurance just released an exhaustive state-by-state analysis of texting prohibitions across the U.S. that can be seen here and includes a ranking of states with the harshest and loosest penalties. Click here to see the full study.)
New York Ups Fines for Repeatedly Distracted Drivers
Included in New York’s recent budget negotiations were penalty hikes for repeat distracted driving offenses.
Currently, motorists face a maximum $150 fine for texting while driving and $100 fine for using a mobile device hands-free technology while driving, regardless of how many times you’ve been cited for the offense.
Under the budget plan, which was adopted recently, the fine structure would be the same for both texting and distracted violators:
–First-time offenders would still face a maximum $150 fine.
–A second offense within 18 months would mean a $200 maximum fine.
–A third offense within 18 months would mean a $400 maximum fine.
The new penalties would still include a three-point penalty against a driver’s license for each offense. Being cited for the offense can run up a driver’s New York insurance premiums because insurers view such points as valid reason to charge a higher-risk driver higher prices.
Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said that the harsher penalties were aimed at distracted drivers who “jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.”
“Cell phones, text messages, and email allow for instant communication with anyone from anywhere, but that causes problems when drivers pay more attention to their phone instead of the road,” he said in a statement. “Higher penalties for drivers who repeatedly text or talk on the phone while driving will provide a new and stronger deterrent to help prevent distracted driving on our roads.”
New York officials have waged a long-running campaign against distracted driving, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo citing the state’s “Operation Hang Up” as the reason for a massive increase in ticketing. Last summer, Cuomo said that state authorities had issued four times as many texting tickets since the summer of 2011, when the texting violation was reclassified as a primary offense that police could cite drivers for on its own.
Social Networking, Viewing Directions also Considered Distractions
Lousiana lawmakers are discussing plans to expand the list of things drivers are barred from doing behind the wheel to include social networking.
SB 147 would outlaw social networking while driving. Under the proposal, the prohibition applies to “using a wireless telecommunications device to view any web-based service that allows individuals to construct a profile within a bounded system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and communicate with other members of the site.”
The bill is currently being considered by the state Senate after being approved out of a committee last week.
But it’s not just using social networking on your smartphone that could land you on the wrong side of the law. In a recent court decision in California, a judge ruled that a driver was rightfully ticketed for taking a hand off the wheel to view Google Maps directions on his smartphone.
Lax Enforcement in South Carolina Could Beef Up
South Carolina’s enforcement against distracted driving can be counted among the laxest in the U.S., but lawmakers are trying the change that.
Currently, South Carolina has no statewide bans on texting or using a cell phone while driving. SB 459 would bar use of cell phones for drivers with beginner’s permits or restricted driver’s licenses. It would also bar anyone driving through a school zone from using a cell phone behind the wheel.
The proposal, introduced in February, is currently being reviewed in a Senate subcommittee.
