U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Wednesday, May 11, praised Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels for signing a stiff new law that bans texting while driving. The law makes Indiana the 32nd state to prohibit texting behind the wheel.
“Distraction is still a factor in too many serious crashes, but the bill signed today by Governor Daniels will help make Indiana roads safer” LaHood says.
Under the new law, effective July 1, violators face a maximum fine of $500. The law extends Indiana’s current texting ban to all drivers. Drivers under 18 also are prohibited from all cell phone use.
With the addition of Indiana, 32 states, the District of Columbia and Guam now have banned text messaging by all drivers. Further, eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all handheld cell phone use while driving.
