by Citation News Editor
26. May 2010
In a continued trend to stop distracted driving, exting while behind the wheel has became illegal in Wisconsin and Michigan.
The Wisconsin law is primary, meaning that police officers can stop any drivers suspected of that offense alone. Any first-time violators face fines of $20 to $400, along with four points on their driving records. Second-time violators face fines of $200 to $800. The law takes effect December 1.
In Michigan, the law bans texting while driving for drivers of all ages, except in the case of an emergency. Texting while driving is considered a secondary offense, which allows law enforcement officials to ticket drivers who are pulled over for other offenses.
The Michigan law also bans drivers from reading or writing while driving. It takes effect July 1.
For information about distracted driving and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s efforts to curb it, pull over and visit www.distraction.gov.
