Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed into law a bill prohibiting drivers from texting while driving across the state to ensure public safety.
On Monday, members of the Arizona Legislature, law enforcement personnel, and advocates of safe driving join the Governor during the signing of HB 2318-Limiting Mobile Device Use While Driving.
HB 2318 prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a wireless device while driving. It prohibits writing or reading text messages, watching, recording, or broadcasting video while driving.
Drivers who will be caught violating the law will pay up to $150 for first offense and up to $250 for second and subsequent offenses. Those who cause a crash resulting in serious injury or death will pay up to $2,500 fine and serve six months in jail.
The law takes effect immediately and the penalties begin on January 1, 2021. Eighty six percent (86%) of likely Arizona voters supported HB 2318.
Arizona joins 47 others U.S. states prohibiting texting while driving.
A common sense solution to prevent tragedy
In his remarks, Ducey said “texting while driving is a deadly combination,” noting too many lives lost because of it.