North Dakota Becomes 31st State to Ban Texting While Driving

North Dakota the 31st state to ban texting behind the wheel, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood who praised North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple for signing a new law banning the practice.

The new law, which becomes effective August 1, will impose a fine of $100 on people caught texting while driving.

With the addition of North Dakota, 31 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have now banned text messaging by all drivers. Eight states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

In 2009, Secretary LaHood launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign modeled on other successful NHTSA efforts to reduce fatalities, such as its Over the Limit Under Arrest and Click It Or Ticket campaigns to curb drunk driving and increase seat belt use. The U.S. DOT has launched a dedicated Web site, Distraction.gov, to provide the public with a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation