Louisiana Governor Signs Bill Hiking Max Fines for Texting While Driving

Maximum penalties will be higher for violating state laws in Louisiana that ban texting or posting to social media sites while driving and that restrict cell phone use for young drivers.

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced this week he had signed the bill into law.

The change immediately increases those traffic fines to up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for additional violations. Drivers under 18 could face license suspension for up to 60 days for second and later violations.

Edwards also signed a bill boosting fines for people caught not wearing seatbelts in a vehicle. That measure, which takes effect Aug. 1, increases the penalty for a first offense to $50. Violators will pay $75 each additional time.

The bills are Senate Bill 91 and House Bill 751.