New Ind. texting-driving ban yields few citations
MUNCIE, Ind. — State Police say Indiana’s texting while driving ban has led to only a few dozen citations by troopers in the five months since it took effect.
Sgt. John Bowling says that statewide just 46 citations and 40 warnings for texting-while-driving activities had been issued by state troopers as of Dec. 9.
Muncie Sgt. Bruce Qualls tells The Star Press that it’s “extremely difficult” to prove a driver was actually transmitting a text message or email communication because of the way the law is written.
Officers are not permitted under the law to confiscate a cell phone from a driver to try to determine whether the motorist committed an illicit communications act. The state’s texting while driving ban took effect July 1.