IT APPEARS NEW MEXICO WILL BECOME THE 42ND STATE TO BAN TEXTING WHILE DRIVING. THE MEASURE HAS BEEN GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL IN THE LEGISLATURE, AND THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO SIGN IT.
SENATE SPONSOR, PETER WIRTH OF SANTA FE, SAYS TEXTING BEHIND THE WHEEL HAS BECOME A HUGE PROBLEM. HE SAYS THE BILL MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO TEXT OR SEARCH THE INTERNET IF YOU'RE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. HE SAYS YOU'LL NEED TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INSTEAD.
THE BILL CARRIES A 25-DOLLAR FINE FOR A FIRST OFFENSE…AND 50-DOLLARS FOR SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS.
