Legislature Votes to Make Texting and Driving Crime for Teens

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma lawmakers voted to make it a crime for teens to text and drive.

Senate Bill 1908 prohibits any driver with a learner's permit or an intermediate drivers license from using a cell phone to talk or text while the car is moving.

Teens who get caught could have their license suspended and pay court costs and ticket fees.

In addition, learner's permit holders would only be able to drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Rep. Danny Morgan said he was somewhat disappointed by the elimination from the bill of provisions banning all drivers from texting while driving, but pleased that at least younger drivers will be protected.

"The evidence on texting while driving is so compelling that virtually everyone who is involved in highway safety or law enforcement has now endorsed a complete ban on texting while driving, and that includes everyone from Triple-A to the Department of Public Safety," said Morgan in a press release. "This bill is a good start, and hopefully we will be able to complete the job in the next session."

Senate Bill 1908 passed the full House on a 90-5 vote and now goes to the governor to be signed into law.