Alaska Legislature Passes Ban On Texting While Driving

JUNEAU, Alaska -- The Alaska Legislature has passed an explicit ban on texting while driving.

The Senate passed HB255 on Sunday, the last scheduled day of session. The House passed the bill earlier.

Lawmakers in 2008 passed legislation intended to ban texting while driving though it didn't say texting in the law. A magistrate in Kenai last year ruled the Legislature should have been explicit if it meant to prohibit the activity.

Language in HB255 states that texting while driving has been illegal since the 2008 law was passed and the magistrate's decision is "legally incorrect."

The bill states a person commits the crime of driving while texting if he or she reads or types a text or other nonvoice message or communication on a cell phone, computer or something similar while driving.

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Comments

[RealityMyFriend]

12:25 AM on 04/17/2012

We NEED to ban cell phone use unless its hands free voice controled. Mass drivers all drive around with their hand to head swirving all over creating sensless accidents daily.

[Ppenguinator]

04:21 PM on 04/16/2012

You mean it isn't already illegal?

[sking007]

03:07 PM on 04/16/2012

For me, I find texting while driving to be too cumbersome while still trying to hold onto my beer.

[Stevenson52]

04:23 PM on 04/16/2012

Funny!

[bryanzth]

02:44 PM on 04/16/2012

So, now, how many Alaska Tea Party backers are going to be annoyed at this intrusion of too much government from their own state?!!!

After all, what else can you do when Rush Limbaugh is no longer available on AM radio in Alaska and you have 500 miles more to go? ;o)

BZ.

[Hardyman1966]

02:22 PM on 04/16/2012

It's a shame that people need babysitting like this, but they do.  It's not the end of the world if you don't touch your phone for 5 minutes...

[RealityMyFriend]

12:27 AM on 04/17/2012

Sad yes. That actually taught us in drivers ed yeard ago no cell phone use while driving.

[Ken Koziol]

01:27 PM on 04/16/2012

Most people can't drive period never mind while texting.
Texting is not the only problem; here are others:
1. Shaving
2. Put on makeup
3. Reading the paper and or map
4. Lighting a smoke
5. Changing radio, cd
6. Dog on lap
7. My all time favorite talking to the passanger.

[jflorish]

12:41 PM on 04/16/2012

It's a good law, more should pass this.