Texting Ban Moves Forward
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A statewide ban on texting while driving is a step closer to reality after being approved by a key state House committee yesterday.
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee approved the measure, co-sponsored by Nancy Garland (D-NewAlbany), which would make texting behind the wheel a minor misdemeanor subject to a $150 fine.
“The bill approved today takes all the best concepts from previous texting bills and offers the most effective solution,” Garland said.
The bill will next be scheduled for a vote by the full House, Garland said.
Under House Bill 415, texting while driving would be a primary offense, meaning police officers can stop motorists for no other reason.
The bill establishes a 6 month grace period to educate drivers and to ease the transition.
The law allows drivers to use text messaging if their vehicle is at a standstill and pulled off the road.
A hearing on a similar ban proposed for Columbus received its first public hearing at City Hall Tuesday.
Bans have already been enacted in Bexley, Cleveland and Toledo.
Federal transportation officials have been calling attention to the dangers of texting while driving.
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