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Rauner Signs Law Increasing Fines, Penalities For Texting And Driving

Bruce Rauner
Jaclyn Driscoll
/
NPR Illinois

Texting and driving could cost you, quite literally, with a new law raising fines on motorists caught using cellphones.Currently using a phone while driving is considered an equipment violation; it’s the same as driving with a cracked windshield. But, with this new law, it is increased to a moving violation which carries weightier fines and penalties.

Lt. Matt Boerwinkle with the Illinois State Police said texting and driving is happening more often.

“It’s causing single vehicle crashes with no explanation," said Boerwinkle. "A vehicle leaving the roadway, a perfectly good road surface. They’re not tired, they’re just looking at their phone.”

The first violation will result in a fine of $75; that goes up another $25 dollars for each subsequent violation and could result in a suspended license.

The law goes into effect in July 1st, 2019.

Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.
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