Texting While Driving Bill Clears House With Amendments

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban texting while driving. Senate Bill 314 bans sending, reading or writing texts  for all drivers.    It would make it a primary offense and establishes a fine of 50 dollars.  A primary offense means a police officer could stop a driver if they see them texting behind the wheel while the vehicle is in motion.   A text-based communication is defined in the bill as a text message, instant message, electronic mail or other written communication composed or received on an interactive wireless device.  The bill passed by a vote of 188-7. The house made changes to the senate bill, so it must go back to the state Senate for final consideration. More than 30 other states already have similar bans in effect.