North Dakota Ban on Texting While Driving Takes Effect

North Dakota’s ban on texting while driving is now in effect.

More than 30 states so far have approved laws against motorists sending text messages when they’re behind the wheel.

Until now in North Dakota, only Bismarck and Grand Forks have banned the practice. A state violation is a $100 fine.

North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Jody Skogen says texting while driving on the highways is a problem, and he thinks the new law will deter people from doing it.

Skogen says it takes so much of a driver’s attention to send a text message that the practice is dangerous.

The North Dakota Legislature approved the texting while driving ban earlier this year.

“The vast majority of the motorists, I feel, are concerned about violating traffic laws,” Skogen said. “Now that there is a specific ordinance that covers the act of texting, that group of people will now refrain from texting.”