Texting While Driving Ban Passes Virginia Senate

OMG! Texting your BFF while driving could soon cost you.

The Senate voted 33-6 Tuesday to pass Del. John Cosgrove’s bill to ban sending or reading text messages or e-mail while driving. The House passed the legislation 88-10 earlier this month.

The bill now goes back to the House to see if it agrees with minor changes that were made in the Senate.

Police would be allowed to ticket violators only if they are stopped for another offense. Violators could be fined $20 for a first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.

The bill would not apply to emergency vehicles, drivers who are parked or reporting an emergency or for the use of GPS systems.