MI texting ban clears a hurdle, more steps remain

WKAR Public Media

Published April 21, 2010 at 8:10 PM EDT

By AP

LANSING, MI –

Legislators have taken another step toward outlawing the practice of using cell phones to send text messages while driving in Michigan.

The Michigan House passed a bill by a 89-19 vote Wednesday that includes some provisions of the texting ban. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Lawmakers already have approved the main bills in the package, but all must be finalized before they can be sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for her signature.

The ban would take effect July 1. A first offense would cost $100 and repeat offenses would come with a $200 fine. No points would be added to a driver's record.

Texting would be a primary offense, meaning police could pull over motorists for texting alone.
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The texting while driving legislation is House Bill 4394, House Bill 4370 and Senate Bill 468.

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