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States move to limit distracted driving; New Jersey gives truckers a break

Compliments of the federal government, truck drivers this year have already been forced to address their telecommunications habits while on the road. Stateside, more and more states are acting to quash distracted driving in all vehicles.

Starting Thursday, July 15, Kentucky will join the ranks of states to make texting while driving a no-no for everyone. The new rule also prohibits cell phone use for drivers under 18.

Holders of instructional permits or intermediate licenses found in violation would be forced to keep their current license for an additional 180 days. Anyone found in violation of the rules prior to Jan. 1, 2011, will get off with a warning. After that, violators would face $25 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.

In New Jersey, a new law singles out truck drivers to give them a break. Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a bill that makes an exception from the state’s cell phone law for truckers. It took effect immediately.

The use of CBs and two-way radios are exempt from the state’s ban on hand-held communication devices while behind the wheel.

New Jersey outlawed the use of handheld communication devices while driving in the spring of 2008. Using such devices to talk on the phone or send text messages is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement could pull drivers over solely for using them.

A Delaware law, which is slated to take effect at the first of the year, covers texting and cell phone use while at the wheel. Drivers of all ages will be forbidden from sending or reading text messages. As is the case in New Jersey, CB radios are exempt from the ban.

Violators face $50 fines. Talking on a hand-held cell phone will also result in a $50 fine.

“This new law is about improving safety for everyone who shares the road,” Gov. Jack Markell said in a statement. “We hope we can reduce the number of drivers who text and e-mail while driving and therefore reduce the number of distraction-related crashes.”

Delaware is the eighth state to ban hand-held cell phones while driving, and the new rule overrides bans in Wilmington and Elsmere. Delaware is the 30th state to ban texting while driving.

Massachusetts is included in the growing list of states to prohibit texting at the wheel. The new law, however, doesn’t stop there while trying to improve safety on roadways.

Drivers under 18 can no longer use any cell phone, hand-held or hands free. The Bay State is the 29th state to target distracted driving among teens.

Violations would result in $100 fines.

The state’s older drivers didn’t escape mention in the new law. Drivers who turn 75 will be required to renew their licenses in person and take an eye test every five years thereafter.

Until now, Massachusetts law required residents of all driving ages to pass a vision test every 10 years.

In addition, the new law includes a provision that is intended to encourage doctors to alert the Registry of Motor Vehicles that a patient might be a danger on the roads. Specifically, medical professionals cannot be held liable for referring a patient or a client to the Registry, which can then decide to take away their right to drive.



Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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