Va., Md. strengthen laws on texting while driving while DC stays the course (careful in Alaska!)
Virginia just went from having the weakest law in the nation on texting while driving to a much stronger one with a big loophole. A month ago, Virginia had only a $20 fine, and texting was a secondary offense, meaning the driver had to be pulled over for another violation. Under the new law, the fine is $125 (and $250 for the second violation), but drivers can still use a hand-held phone to make phone calls and check the GPS for directions.
Under Marylands new law, police may pull over any driver with a cell phone in hand. Use of hand-held electronic devices while driving is banned. Violators can be fined up to $500.
DC bans use of held-held phones while driving, and the fine is $100. Nearly 63,000 tickets were issued for distracted driving in the five years ending in fiscal 2011.
The nations strongest law is in Alaska, which has a maximum fine of $10,000 and a year in prison, according to a recent study by Online Auto Insurance. If the driver injures another person while texting, the maximum fine goes to $50,000 and five years in prison.
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