Legislation Cracks Down on Texting and Driving - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Legislation Cracks Down on Texting and Driving

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RICHMOND, VA. (WVVA) - New proposed legislation is looking to crack down on texting and driving.

State Delegate Benjamin Cline prefiled HB 1360 which would allow for reckless driving prosecution of distracted drivers.

Del. Scott Surovell, D–Mount Vernon, reportedly is prepping similar legislation which focuses on reckless driving.

These bills are coming up for a vote in a Senate committee next week.

The Courts of Justice Committee is scheduled to consider the legislation Friday as the General Assembly faces a Tuesday deadline for each chamber to act on its own bills.

Texting while driving is already punishable by a $20 fine, but it's a secondary offense. That means police can only write a ticket if they stopped the motorist for another violation.

One of the bills would increase the fine to $250 and make it a primary offense, allowing police to stop and ticket anyone they spot texting behind the wheel. Others would make texting while driving punishable as reckless driving, which can result in up to a year in jail.

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