Can you use your cell phone while driving in Pennsylvania?
IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, IT IS LEGAL TO TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING. DRIVERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE A CELL PHONE EVEN IF THE CAR IS STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY. IN THE STATE, IF YOU ARE CAUGHT TEXTING ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING, THAT FINE IS $50.
What is the penalty for texting and driving in Pennsylvania?
Texting-while-driving is a summary offense in Pennsylvania. The fine for a violation is $50. However, with additional fees, surcharges, and court costs, the amount the driver actually has to pay is usually over $100.
What states is it illegal to text and drive?
The states that currently have a prohibition on texting while driving are as follows:
- Alabama.
- Alaska.
- Arkansas (except in emergencies)
- California.
- Colorado.
- Connecticut.
- Delaware.
- D.C.
Can you get pulled over for texting and driving?
Texting while driving is considered a primary offense, meaning that a police officer can pull someone over for texting while driving, even if you have committed no other moving violations or broken any other laws.
Is it legal to text and drive?
It is illegal to use a handheld cellphone or to text while driving in California. The first two laws prohibit all drivers from using handheld wireless phones or cellphones and drivers under 18 years old from using hands-free cellphones. A third law bans texting and other wireless device use while driving.
Is texting while driving illegal?
Yes, it’s illegal to text while driving – or to even touch a hand-held device while you’re behind the wheel – because mobile phone use has been proven to increase your risk of having an accident.
What state was the first to ban texting while driving?
Washington
Text Messaging: Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Currently, 48 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers.
Is it illegal to text and drive?
Texting and driving is banned in most states. In 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is illegal for any driver to text and drive. Of these states and territories, all but five have primary enforcement laws banning texting while driving.
Are police allowed to text and drive?
That means they can use their cell phones, two-way radios, run red lights, speed, etc, as long as it is for legitimate police business. That’s where they learn to use their cell phones or computers, while driving to respond to a call.
Can you be on your phone while driving?
Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.
Why is texting and driving illegal?
Of all the activities associated with distracted driving, sending text messages is the most dangerous. A person is 23 times more likely to have a motor vehicle crash while sending a text message than if they were only driving. That number towers over the other activities associated with distracted driving.
What happens if you text and drive?
If you kill or injure someone while texting and driving (or using your phone illegally in another way), you could face much higher fines, jail time, and license suspension. Remember, texting while driving is a serious offense and can even result in criminal misdemeanor charges.