JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) - A statewide ban on texting while driving is one step closer to becoming a reality. With a unanimous vote, the state house approved house bill two, also known as the "t-t-y-l act" or the "talk to you later" act. The bill now goes to the senate and if it passes there, texting while driving in the state will be against the law.
The bill, however, will not make it illegal for a driver to talk on a cell phone.
Walker County Deputy Brian Keeton says although many people question whether texting while driving violations will be enforcable ... he doesn't see a problem. Keeton says it will be no different than policing other "rules of the road," like speeding and rolling past a stop sign.
The bill would prohibit police from searching your car if you're stopped for texting ....however, police say if they see you doing it, that is enough to fine you. $25 to start, $50 for second conviction and $75 for each subsequent violation.
This will be the fourth time State Representative Jim Mclendon has sponsored the bill. The difference this year is that Senator Jabo Waggoner is also pushing a version of the bill in the senate.
