SF 234 was approved by the Senate and was subsequently approved by the House this week. This bill simply upgrades texting and driving from a secondary offense to a primary offense. SF 234 allows for drivers to use their phones in hands-free mode and regular mode as well as using their phone as a GPS. It allows for peace officers to pull someone over for a suspected violation of texting while driving. However, it does notmake texting and driving a moving violation. The fine for this remains $30.
This bill changes the definition of “electronic message” to include images visible on the screen of a hand-held electronic communication device including a text-based message, an instant message, a portion of electronic mail, an internet site, a social media application, or a game. This update now includes applications such as Facebook and Snapchat.
According to National Conference of State Legislatures, 46 states have already banned texting and driving and there are 14 states that have prohibited drivers from using hand-held devices while driving.