Michigan Billboards Remind Drivers to ‘Txt Back L8R’

Billboards going up around Michigan are reminding drivers to hold off on text messaging.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning said that the billboards in major metropolitan areas will carry the phrase text back later (“txt back L8R”). They’ll have one of two accompanying messages: “OR PAY $100” or “IT’S THE LAW.”

In April, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation that bans sending, typing or reading text messages or e-mails while driving.

A first offense will cost $100 and repeat offenses will cost $200. Texting will be a primary offense under Michigan’s law, meaning police can pull over motorists solely for using phones to send text messages.

The ban takes effect July 1.