Come Dec. 1, texting and driving are illegal in N.C.

By: Melinda Skutnick | Mooresville Tribune
Published: November 27, 2009

Texting while driving could get pretty expensive.

Come Tuesday, all drivers caught texting or using other digital cell phone services will be assessed a $100 fine, according to a new state law that goes into effect Dec. 1.

But Mooresville police hope that something more than the monetary penalty will keep drivers from fiddling with their phones.

"Like any other law, we would hope people would understand the seriousness of it because distracted driving is really a problem," said Chief Carl Robbins. "It's just like impaired driving when you're out there with people that are texting."

Per the new North Carolina law, which was passed and signed by Gov. Bev Perdue in June, any mobile phone digital media utilized by a driver – including a camera, electronic email, text messaging and the Internet – will be unlawful and prohibited on and after Dec. 1. If caught using these functions while behind the wheel of a vehicle, drivers will face a $100 fine and possible court costs, though no drivers license points or insurance surcharges will be assessed.

Noting that enforcement might prove difficult with this law, Robbins said the MPD will apply the text messaging ban as diligently as possible.

"As far as police department enforcement, obviously if it comes to our attention we will enforce it."

However, he said he hopes that this law will put the dangers of texting while driving back at the forefront of people's minds.

"Obviously there are instances in fairly recent memory where people have been killed," said Robbins. "The passage of the law (might) get people talking about it and understanding the severity of being distracted."

He added, "Above all else we would hope that people would comply with the law just for their personal safety."

Come Dec. 1, texting and driving are illegal in N.C.

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