Bill > H3014

This bill aims to increase the penalties for texting while driving by amending existing laws. Specifically, it clarifies that a driver is considered to be operating a motor vehicle even if stopped in traffic, but not if the vehicle is stationary and off the traveled portion of the road. The bill also significantly raises the fines for violations: a first offense will now result in a $250 fine and a 90-day suspension of the driver's permit or license, a second offense will incur a $500 fine, and a third or subsequent offense will carry a $750 fine. Furthermore, any conviction for texting and driving will now count towards actions taken by the registry of motor vehicles and affect the safe driver insurance plan, which is a system used by insurance companies to adjust premiums based on driving records.