Mich. drivers reminded: Keep 'Thumbs on the Wheel'

WKAR Public Media

Published June 28, 2010 at 6:11 PM EDT

By AP

LANSING, MI –

Drivers across Michigan are being encouraged to keep their "Thumbs on the Wheel."

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning on Monday kicked off the campaign using billboards, posters and a public service announcement featuring talking thumbs. Michigan's ban on texting while driving takes effect Thursday.

Billboards put up around the state remind drivers to hold off on text messaging, carrying the phrase text back later ("txt back L8R") and one of two accompanying messages: "OR PAY $100" or "IT'S THE LAW."

A first offense will cost $100 and repeat offenses will cost $200. Texting will be a primary offense under Michigan's law, meaning police can pull over motorists solely for using phones to send text messages.

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