Ohio Enacts Law That Bans Texting While Driving

On September 3, 2012 a new law will go into effect that bans texting while driving a vehicle. The law makes it illegal for anyone to drive while texting and for minors, bans the use of all hand-held electronic devices while driving. All drivers will be allowed to use driver-activated navigation devices.

The law also affects adults differently than minors in another important way. Adults can only be charged with violation of the statute if they have been stopped for some other traffic offense. Adults who break this law will face a fine of up to $150. Minors can be charged with this violation even if they have not committed another traffic offense. Minors face penalties of a $150 fine and a 60-day license suspension for a first offense and a $300 fine and a one-year suspension for subsequent citations.

1 Comments

The discrepancy in the rule of law between a minor and an adult is interesting. I grant that minors tend to be less responsible, but exactly what excuse can an adult have over a minor in texting while driving, that requires different rules and restrictions? Also, I would wonder what would constitute texting under the definition of the law, since the operating of navigational equipment would also require a certain amount of 'texting'. In fact, the basic rule is to key in your destination on your GPS before you start driving, and not to use it again until you have reached your destination.

by Daniel Anderson October 15, 2012 at 10:00 PM