Remember New Texting and Driving Law

If you like to text and drive you had better prepare to dig deep in your wallet, if caught by the police.
A new state law keeps the fine for texting at $50 but adds points to driver licenses.
The change will permit points to be assessed four points against a driver’s record. If sufficient points are accumulated during a 12 month period, the license can be suspended.
Texting behind the wheel had been considered a no-moving violation but the new law approved by the legislature makes it a moving violation. Currently Tennessee suspends license for drivers who amass 12 points a year.
Col. Tracy Trott, head of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told lawmakers earlier this year that his officers issued 7,500 citations last year for distracted driving and “due care” issues. The colonel told lawmakers that no one ever admits they were distracted when they just T-boned another vehicle.
“Distracted driving is really becoming one of the top issues in traffic safety,” Trott said. “A lot of it has to do with cell phone usage in the vehicles.” He said troopers see it every day as they patrol the highways of the state.
So the best thing to do is put the cell phone down and drive.