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Texting while driving now primary offense in Va.

Posted at 8:21 PM, Jun 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-01 11:55:09-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)-- A new law makes texting while driving a primary offense starting July 1. Before now, it had been a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement can only cite drivers who are breaking another moving violation or law.

While the merits of the new law are similar to the existing law, texting while driving can now be tied to reckless driving. [BONUS: Sign the W82TEXT Pledge and share to help spread the word]

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The first offense for texting while driving, under the new law, carries a $125 fine. The second offense carries at $250 fine, which can be added in addition to reckless driving fines.

The new law also requires that the Department of Criminal Justice Services provide training to law enforcement.

While the new law is meant to prevent distracted driving, lawmakers and policy advisors acknowledge that enforcing the law will be challenging.