North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed a new law banning texting while driving, making it the 31st state to ban texting behind the wheel.
The new law, which becomes effective Aug. 1, will impose a $100 fine on people caught texting while driving.
With North Dakota, 31 states, the District of Columbia and Guam have banned text messaging by all drivers. Eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving.
In January 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation imposed a texting-while-driving ban on commercial truck and bus drivers.
