BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Minot Rep. Dan Ruby used a cell phone and a sheet of paper Thursday to illustrate the North Dakota Legislature's debate about the best way to deter motorists from sending text messages as they drive.
Ruby is the chief sponsor of legislation that establishes a new "distracted driving" traffic offense, with a $100 penalty for violators. It does not explicitly ban texting while driving, but it would punish motorists who cause accidents by taking their eyes off the road.
The bill is an alternative to a proposal introduced by Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, that would specifically prohibit motorists from using their cell phones to send text messages while they are driving.
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