Drivers Elude Anti-Texting Law

Anti-texting laws in Pennsylvania and other states prohibit any driver from sending, reading or writing a text messages from his cellphone while his or her vehicle is in motion.

The police, however, are having a hard time curbing violations, obtaining convictions, or even nabbing violators.

Notwithstanding the law taking effect after the stroke of midnight on March 8 in Pennsylvania and the dangers of texting while driving, violations continue as the law institutes an inexpensive $50 fine for convicted violators, does not authorize the police to seize the phone, and violations are not recorded on the driver’s record.

The state has been serious in its enforcement efforts but the police often see the cases dismissed due to lack of evidence. Drivers cited for violations tell district judges that they are doing other activities that are excluded from the law: talking on a number, dialing a phone number, or searching for directors, among other things. For iron-clad proof of a violation, police can seek a warrant to seize and examine a cellphone but the process is costly and time consuming for a traffic citation.

The police in the Keystone state have issued at least 100 citations on account of anti-texting violations every month since March.

The state recorded at least 1,000 cell phone related accidents in 2010.