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TEXTING Archives

March 22, 2011

NMA Maine Alert: Seat Belt, Cell Phone Bills Pending

Several bills are currently pending in the Maine State Senate that pertain to motorist issues.

SP 22, LD 24 would reduce the state' s mandatory seat belt law to a secondary offense, meaning a violator could not be given a ticket unless stopped for another offense. (See Foxnews story from March 15th.) HP 91, LD 95 would outlaw the use of hand-held cellular phones or other electronic devices while driving, and SP 228, LD 736 would ban texting while driving.

We suggest that all Maine citizens concerned with these pending legislative efforts contact their representatives and make their views known.

Posted by National Motorists Association 
July 12, 2010

NMA State Alert for Michigan: New Anti-Texting Law Goes Into Effect

Be advised that on July 1st, 2010, a new Michigan primary enforcement law, MCL 257.602(b), went into effect, prohibiting texting while driving.
 
The law prohibits reading or sending texts while driving, and while the vehicle is moving. Texting is allowed at stop lights when the vehicle is motionless.  
 
The Michigan State Police headquarters has issued a directive to its troopers regarding the law. It confirms that since this texting violation is a civil infraction, and not a criminal offense, an officer may not demand that a citizen turn over their cell phone to the officer (for immediate confirmation of texting or long-term evidence-gathering purposes, for example).  The June 30, 2010 directive to the troopers states, in part:

Officers are reminded they cannot obtain a search warrant or an investigative subpoena solely for a violation of MCL 257.602b because a violation is a civil infraction. Officers may seek to obtain consent from an individual to examine his or her 2-way communication device; however, absent consent, officers may not lawfully seize an individual’s device and examine the contents.

Being aware of your rights during such a traffic stop can help you protect those rights.

 

Posted by National Motorists Association 
February 18, 2010

NMA State Alert for Iowa: Texting While Driving Legislation Update

The Iowa House Transportation Committee approved a bill, House File 2021, that would ban drivers from texting while operating their vehicles.  The proposal is limited to texting; it does not prohibit other uses of cell phones by motorists.  HF 2021 now moves on to the House floor for a vote, where it is expected to pass. 

 

If you want to express your opinion about this legislation, please contact your state legislators.  If HF 2021 is approved by the House, the bill will move on to the Iowa Senate.

Posted by National Motorists Association 


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