Texas Bill Would Double Fines for Driving With Handheld Devices

Texas State Rep. Vicki Truitt of Keller has filed HB 1158 which would double fines for drivers guilty of traffic violations while using handheld wireless devices, the Texas House of Representatives reported.

“Nationally, more and more people are seeing the danger of people taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to dial or text message on a wireless device. My bill is designed to get everyone to think twice before they do that,” said Truitt in announcing the measure.

Five states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington) currently completely ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Truitt’s bill doesn’t go that far. It simply doubles the fine for traffic violations when ticketed drivers are using a wireless devices without hands free equipment.

“Let’s face it, cell phones and PDAs can be serious distractions when driving. But so can your kids or your dog. Are we going to ban them? Many people have come to rely on being accessible by phone at all times. My bill simply encourages drivers to be extra careful when using handheld devices,” said Truitt.

Source: Texas House of Representatives

Topics Texas Personal Auto