Utah Passes Strict Texting While Driving Law

A new Utah law makes the penalties for texting while driving as serious as the penalties for DUI if someone is injured.

The anti-texting law was passed after two men were killed by a driver who was texting while driving. 

If a driver causes an accident that injures or kills another person, he or she could face up to 15 years in prison. Simple texting while driving is punishable by a $70 ticket, and causing an accident with no injury is a Class B misdemeanor, which means higher fines and possible incarceration or license suspension.

The Utah law is one of the harshest texting while driving laws in the country.

Studies have shown that using a cell phone while driving is as distracting to a driver as being under the influence.  Research from scientists further indicates that talking on a cell phone while driving is like driving with a .08 BAC level.  Texting while driving is like having a .16 BAC level.

To learn more about the texting while driving laws in your state, click here to find a criminal defense attorney near you.