DRIVERS face hefty fines if they’re caught with their hands in the wrong place while they’re behind the wheel as a new law expands.
One state in particular has tweaked their ruling around texting and driving that means Instagram could now get you in serious hot water.
GettyKeep your hands on the wheel and off your phone – as new laws crack down on distracted driving[/caption] GettyHefty fines and serious consequences await drivers who use social media while behind the wheel[/caption]The law currently bans texting while driving – but a new bill approved in Louisiana will make it illegal to post or scroll through social media while driving.
Bill HB 519, introduced by State Rep. Brian Glorioso – even outlaws accessing, posting, or creating a video or photograph while behind the wheel.
However, there is one exception to the rule.
Those using their cell phone to contact law enforcement to report a crash, medical emergency, or to report a crime in progress will not be penalised under the bill.
The Senate approved the new legislation in May and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Drivers who fall foul of the new law will be hit with steep fines.
There are two separate fees that will be handed out depending on where you are when you are caught.
The bill stipulates that $100 fines will be collected if drivers are caught “in a school zone or in a highway construction zone”.
Meanwhile, $50 fines will be dished out for violations that occur in any other locations.
It comes as there has been an increase in police enforcing texting and distracted-driving laws across the country.
Naturally, laws vary by state, but many ban texting, hand-held use, or both.
In most cases, a first offense might result in a fine, while subsequent offenses could lead to license suspension or other penalties – even loss of license.
The Louisiana bill does not stipulate what happens after a first offense.
But in the state of New York, for example, holding a device while temporarily stopped is illegal, and repeated offenses can result in escalating fines.
Like Louisiana (outside of school and construction zones) fines start at $50.
However, in New York, they can quickly rise, with the maximum fine for a third or subsequent offense within 18 months reaching $450.
NHTSA stats reveal that, in 2023, there were 3,275 people killed and nearly 325,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
Drivers are urged to pull over to a safe location and park their car if they need to read or reply to a text.
One suggestion is to appoint a passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
Furthermore, activating the “Do Not Disturb” feature can help silence notifications.
For those with particularly itchy fingers, putting your phone away in the trunk is a good trick to remove temptation.
GettyDrivers will face fines of around $100 if caught breaking the new Louisiana rule (stock)[/caption] Read More Details
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