Governor Bans Texting While Driving

Governor Sonny Perdue signed two bills Friday afternoon, (June 4) including a law that bans texting while driving.  Violators of the texting ban face a $150 fine and one point against their driver’s license.

The second law makes it illegal for anyone less than 18 years of age to text or talk on a cell phone while driving.  Under the bill, the driver's license of any teen that causes an accident while using a cell phone to talk or text would be suspended for 90 days, or until the offender turns 18 for a first offense.  The texting bill is named after Caleb Sorohan, a freshman at North Georgia College and State University, who died instantly in a crash after texting behind the wheel.

Both laws go into effect July 1.