Tuesday, June 26, 2012

IDAHO'S NEW TEXTING and DRIVING LAW

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release List Server
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DAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 3 Headquarters
700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642
(208) 884-7122
Fax (208) 846-7520

For Immediate Release: June 26, 2012 2:33 pm
Please direct questions to the Public Information Officer

The passing of Idaho Code 49-1401A makes Idaho the 37th state to prohibit the practice of texting while driving. Idaho's new texting while driving law officially goes into effect on July 1, 2012, making it an infraction to text and drive; issued as a primary citiation the violator will be fined $81.50.

Senate Bill NO. 1274 Relating to Texting and Driving

49-1401A. TEXTING WHILE DRIVING. (1) As used in this section, "texting" means engaging in the review of, or manual preparation and transmission of, written communications via handheld wireless devices. This definition does not include voice operated or hands free devices that allow the user to review, prepare and transmit a text message without the use of their hand except to activate, deactivate or initiate a feature function.

(2) Texting, as that term is defined in subsection (1) of this section, while driving a moving motor vehicle shall constitute an infraction provided this does not apply to voice operated or hands free devices that allow the user to review, prepare and transmit a text message without the use of their hand except to activate, deactivate or initiate a feature function. Every person who violates this section shall...

When ISP troopers observe a violation of this code they will take the appropriate action as they do with any traffic code violation.

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