Texting is so common — it's the most widely-used app on smartphones today — that you may not even realize when you're doing it. Just because it's become an automatic activity, though, doesn't mean that texting requires no attention and focus.
According to the NHTSA, texting and driving is the most dangerous distraction on the roads today. Sending or reading a text can take your eyes off the road for up to five seconds — the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes shut.
For that reason, most states have now passed laws that ban texting and driving. Many have made all cell phone usage while driving illegal, and in many states, it is a primary offense. If caught, you could face any of the possible consequences:
Monetary penalty/fine
Having your license suspended
Increased insurance costs
Prison sentence, in the event of injuries/death
Handheld Cell Phone Use
The 24 states listed below, including Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, prohibit handheld cell phone use of any kind while you are driving.
In these states, the violation is a primary office — that is, you can be cited for cell phone use alone, not in conjunction with another offense.
Arizona
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas (but only in school zones)
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
All Cellphone Use
No state outright bans cellphone usage, but 37 states restrict it in the case of novice drivers, and 23 states — including the District of Columbia — have banned cellphone usage by bus drivers.
Texting and Driving
Missouri and Montana are the only states that currently allow texting and driving. Moreover, it is a primary offense in 47 of those 48 states that have banned this driving hazard. In the state of Nebraska, it is a secondary offense, meaning that you can be cited only in addition to another moving violation.
The Fines
So, just how much will it cost you if you are pulled over for texting while driving? Texting and driving fines vary in every state, but let's take a look at some of the heftier fines below:
Oregon has the highest penalty for texting and driving, with a maximum fine of $1,000 for a single offense. That is roughly ten times the average fine for this offense. The fine is just monetary, though — you won't incur points on your license.
Utah comes in second, with a fine of up to $750 for the first offense. In addition, you can have 50 points added to your license, and if 200 points accrue, you'll get your license suspended.
Illinois only slaps people who text and drive with an initial fine of $75. However, texting and driving will cost you 10 points if you're under 19, and it only takes 15 points in the Prairie State to get your license suspended.
Wisconsin also has a harsh monetary fine and also dishes outfour points on your license for a first offense. That's a third of the way to a suspension.
Take the Pledge
You can't get around how dangerous texting and driving is. Even if the split-second you look away from the road doesn't cause the accident, other distractions — like a fight, getting upset with a message, or other emotions — can easily get in the way.
And while you definitely want to avoid distracted driving, if you do get a ticket, you may be able to rehab your record with an I Drive Safely defensive driving course. Our course may be able to keep points off your record — as well as educate you even more on the dangers of texting and driving.
