Governor Patrick Signs Bill Banning Texting While Driving

Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation today that will crack down on motorists using their phones while driving.

Signed last week by the State Senate and House, the bill bans the use of a phone while driving for all drivers under the age of 18. Additionally, no driver, despite his or her age, will be allowed to text while driving.

"Without question, this new law will save lives on our roadways," said Governor Patrick in a statement released this afternoon. "Texting is one of the riskiest distractions that endangers public safety and today we are joining other states by saying it will no longer be tolerated."

The law will take effect in October and drivers who violate the terms will be slapped with a $100 fine for a first texting offense. Underage teens caught using their phones will see a $100 fine and the possible suspension of their license for 60 days.

"Texting while driving has become a serious threat to the safety of our roads and drivers," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. "We have taken strong action to keep our roads safe by banning texting while driving and instituting needed measures to keep impaired drivers off the road. Protecting the safety of our residents is our most important task as elected officials and this bill will do just that."

The third piece of the bill relates to seniors, mandating that drivers over the age of 75 conduct a vision test every five years and not have the ability to renew a license online.

"While not perfect, we believe this new law will help make the roads safer for everyone, AARP's goal all along," said Linda Fitzgerald, AARP Massachusetts state president. "It contains major provisions that AARP advocated for to identify impaired drivers and get them off the road, in particular, a strengthened medical reporting system and tightened accident-related trigger system."

Needham Patch reported that most in the community appear to be in favor of the bill, including Police Chief Tom Leary, who believes that the law could go even further in some ways.

The full press release issued by Patrick's camp can be found at the official Governor's website.