13 Cited Since Columbus, Ohio, Texting Ban Started in May

In the roughly seven weeks since a texting-while-driving ban began in Ohio’s capital city, officers have ticketed 13 motorists for allegedly violating the ban.

In five of the cases in Columbus, the drivers were ticketed only for texting; one case was dismissed. In the others cases, the motorists were pulled over for another alleged offense, such as failure to control or drunken driving.

The ban prohibits typing and reading text messages or e-mail and using the Internet while driving, including while stopped at a red light or stop sign. Dialing a number is not illegal.

Those pleading guilty pay a $50 fee. If found guilty, fines can be up to $150.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch