Wyoming becomes 20th state to ban TWD

Lawmakers in Wyoming on March 10 approved a bill (.pdf file) prohibiting the use of handheld electronic wireless communication devices for sending text or e-mail messages while driving.

Violation of the law is a secondary offense punishable by a fine of up to $75. The law, which goes into effect July 1, does not apply to law enforcement, emergency response personnel and people who use hands-free wireless devices.

According to the Washington-based Governors Highway Safety Association, Wyoming is the 20th state, in addition to the District of Columbia and Guam, to ban texting while driving for all drivers. Fifteen states, the District of Columbia and Guam have primary enforcement for the bans, meaning a driver can be pulled over solely for texting while driving, while four other states' all-driver texting bans are secondarily enforced, which allows officers to ticket for violations only after stopping the motorist for another offense.