Maine Gov. Paul LePage signed a new law that prohibits texting while driving.
The law makes Maine the 33rd state to prohibit texting behind the wheel. Under the new law, which takes effect in September, violators will face a minimum fine of $100.
With the addition of Maine, 33 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have now 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 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign. The DOT has launched a dedicated website, http://Distraction.gov, to provide a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving.
