R.I. bans texting while driving

On Nov. 9, R.I. Governor Donald Carcieri signed a bill making it illegal to send, read or write text messages while driving in R.I.

The new law takes effect immediately and includes various fines. On first offense, drivers will receive a fine of $85, on second offense, a $100 fine and on third offense, a $125 fine.

R.I. has previously prohibited R.I. drivers younger than 18 and school-bus drivers when driving children, except in an emergency, from using a cell phone while driving.

R.I. is now the 19th state, plus the District of Columbia, to prohibit texting while driving.