New texting-ban law begins Friday

YOUNGSTOWN — Drivers, especially teen motorists, looking to send that text message that just can’t wait had better pull to the side of the road before reaching for the phone or face financial sanctions.

A law banning texting while driving takes effect Friday after a sixth-month grace period.

House Bill 99, signed by Gov. John Kasich on June 1, makes texting while driving a secondary offense for adults, meaning officers cannot pull adults over based solely on suspicions of texting while driving.

The new law is tougher on minors, however. For minors, the use of electronic devices while driving is considered a primary offense.

They are banned from using any type of handheld electronic wireless communications device, including cellphones, while behind the wheel, with few exceptions.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com