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Texting Ban



COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus would be the largest city in Ohio to ban texting while driving if City Council approves a proposed ordinance.

The first of two scheduled public hearings on the proposal is schedule for tonight at 5:00 PM.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit drivers of moving vehicles send or read text messages, access the Internet or play games, but would not apply if the car is parked and does not apply to passengers, City Council Public Safety Chair Andrew Ginther said.

Ginther says his proposal does allow drivers to use their cell phones to report health or safety emergencies.

"We're going to do everything we can to make sure that public safety is supported and improved by this ordinance and not negatively impacted. This is ultimately about making our roadways safer," Ginther said.

The ban would make texting while driving a primary offense, meaning no other reason is needed for a police officer to pull you over.

It carries a $150 fine.

Similar texting bans are in effect in Bexley, Cleveland and Toledo and different versions of statewide bans are under lawmakers' consideration.

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