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Anti-Texting Law Goes Into Effect Tomorrow

Warn Your Teens About the Dangers of Distracted Driving

By Alison Wenger March 7, 2012

If you have a teen driver at home, now is a good time to remind them that the state's new anti-texting law goes into effect on Thursday, Mar. 8. The new law makes it a primary offense (meaning they can get pulled over just for this and dont have to be speeding or doing anything else wrong) to send, read or write a text-based communicatation (text, IM, email, etc.) from a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion.  

A wireless device is defined as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.

It is important to note that the texting ban does NOT include the use of a GPS device, a system or device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device that is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus.

A $50 fine will be issued to any driver cited under the new anti-texting law. You can read more about the law on PennDOT's website.

If the fine isn't enough to change your teen's behavior, then have them read some of the devastating stories in the Faces of Distracted Driving campaign.

Stay safe behind the wheel!