Upstate New York County to Ban Texting-while-Driving

Lawmakers in a central New York county have approved a ban on texting while driving.

The measure approved Tuesday night by the Onondaga County Legislature makes it illegal for drivers to send or receive text messages on their cell phones while driving.

Violators could be fined up to $150 dollars.

If Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney signs the measure into law, it would take effect July 1. Mahoney has supported the measure in the past.

Onondaga County includes the city of Syracuse.