Texting While Driving Ban Takes Effect Thursday

by Gabe BullardKentucky's ban on texting while driving takes effect this week.Beginning Thursday, it will be illegal for anyone to send text messages or e-mail while driving. Kentucky State Police Lieutenant David Jude says anyone in violation of the law will probably be easy to identify."Drive inattention—or texting while driving—has a lot of the same driving characteristics as an intoxicated driver so all law enforcement will be able to take a look and notice the driving behavior and give them reason to stop the car," he says. "Or, if they do observe the person texting while driving, they'll be able to make the stop."The next five months will be a grace period for the law. Drivers will be pulled over and warned, but no tickets will be issued. Beginning next year, fines of $25 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent violations will be imposed. The law will also make it illegal for drivers under 18 to use cell phones in any capacity while driving, except for emergencies.