MA texting while driving ban bill set

BOSTON, Mass. (WPRI) - A bill is moving forward on Beacon Hill to ban texting while driving throughout Massachusetts, as well as other distractions behind the wheel. The bill released Tuesday outlined the specifics of the entire safe driving legislation.

The bill bans texting while driving, as well as banning drivers under eighteen from using cell phones behind the wheel at all. Drivers over the age of seventy-five will also be required to get their eyesight checked every five years.

For texting while driving, violators would be fined $100 for a first offense.

The bill also requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to come up with a list of impairments that could help determine a driver's skills.

The House and Senate must approve the bill before it goes to Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.

In Rhode Island it is illegal to read, write, or send text messages while driving.