Virginia is a bit closer to toughening up its law against texting while driving.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-6 today to approve a bill that toughens penalties. It also makes the practice a primary offense, allowing police to pull over anyone suspected of texting while driving.
Currently, texting while driving is a secondary offense, meaning a person can be ticketed only if he is stopped for another moving violation.
The current $20 fine would be increased to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second one.
The bill is identical to one already approved by a House committee. Historically, the House has been against stronger laws against texting while driving.
