Ind. texting law will pose enforcement challenges

MERRILLVILLE — A new state law making it illegal for Indiana motorists to send or read text messages is expected to create enforcement challenges for the state's police officers.

The law taking effect Monday restricts officers from confiscating cell phones to prove whether the driver was actually texting.

Porter County Sheriff's Department spokesman Larry LaFlower tells the Post-Tribune of Merrillville that officers are going to have to make sure "in their heart" they know the people they charge were texting. He says lawmakers could have allowed officers to obtain more proof by allowing them to pull up a cell phone's texts to confirm a time stamp.

The law makes texting while driving a Class C infraction with a fine up to $500, but motorists are allowed to use hands-free or voice-operated technology.