ATLANTA – Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed into law legislation that prohibits drivers from texting while behind the wheel.
The governor also signed into law a measure that prohibits anyone under the age of 18 years old from using cell phones while driving.
Under SB 360, anyone convicted of texting while driving would face of up to $150. Meanwhile, HB 23 prohibits teens under the age of 18 years old from using cell phones while behind the wheel.
“We need to do everything possible to focus young drivers on the road ahead,” Perdue said in a statement. Perdue expressed some concerns before signing the texting bill, noting, for example, that drivers who read printed copies of e-mails wouldn’t be subjected to the law even though they would be driving while distracted.
“It’s a good day for public safety… if it saves a couple lives and if it stops 20 to 30 percent of people from texting while driving, then it’s a great law and it’s going to be a great legacy of the Governor,” WSB-AM quoted Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, as saying.
The new laws take effect July 1.