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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph F. Markosek
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House Transportation Committee approves Markosek distracted driving bill
HARRISBURG, Nov. 10 – The state House Transportation Committee today unanimously approved legislation authored by its chairman, Rep. Joseph Markosek, that would ban texting while driving in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2070 also would prohibit novice drivers – those with learner's permits or junior licenses – from using cell phones or any other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
"This legislation is the result of a bipartisan effort," said Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland. "I'm pleased to see the spirit of cooperation continue today as we address the important issue of distracted driving. I'm hopeful that it will continue as the bill moves to the full House of Representatives."
The bill would make violations punishable with a $50 fine. Fines would be doubled to $100 if the offense happened in a school zone, active work zone, highway safety corridor or emergency response area.
The bill would exempt motorists who are contacting 911, as well as drivers who are stopped because of traffic being obstructed if they have their vehicle in neutral or park.
Markosek noted that Congress is considering legislation that would require states to enact a law prohibiting drivers from writing, sending, or reading text messages using a hand-held mobile telephone, except in an emergency, or lose federal highway aid. He said Pennsylvania could lose up to $149 million a year under such a federal law if it failed to ban texting while driving.
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