North Carolina Bans Texting While Driving

Effective December 1, 2009, it will be unlawful for any motor vehicle operator to text message while driving. Violations of the new law will constitute an “infraction” punishable by a $100 fine. However, no points or insurance surcharges can be assessed for a violation, and the statute expressly states that a violation “shall not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence” in a civil lawsuit arising from an accident caused by texting. Nonetheless, employers should alert their employees who drive of this change in the law. (House Bill 9)

Note: This article was published in the October 2009 issue of the North Carolina eAuthority.