Text Messaging While Driving Outlawed in California

Wednesday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation banning electronic text messaging while driving. The law will go into effect on Jan. 1.

Surveys show that text messaging is widespread among drivers. The texting legislation, SB 28, was introduced in June and had widespread support in the California Legislature. Some felt that the fine is too low. The news law prohibiting the use of phones to phones to write, read or send messages imposes a $20 fine for a first offense of texting while driving and a $50 fine for any subsequent violation. California passed legislation earlier banning the use of cell phones while driving unless a hands-free device is used. The legislation follows California's ban on using a cell phone while driving unless motorists use a hands-free device. That law went into effect July 1. Concerns about the law were voiced by Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine.

"There's already blanket law that says reckless driving is illegal and if you cause an accident while recklessly driving, it's a misdemeanor...When you start going down that path, where do you end?"