Arizona may soon adopt a new law that would prohibit drivers from reading, writing, or sending emails or text messages while driving on a state highway. It does not, however, prohibit talking on the phone while driving, and drivers are permitted to type in a name or number to make a call.

The bill was recently approved by committee members and now moves to the full senate for review.

Any driver found in violation would be subject to a $50 fine, unless they caused an accident, in which case the fine would be $200.

A similar measure almost passed last year, but was just one vote shy in the Senate.

This year, the bill is being sponsored by Republican Senator Al Melvin, who says he is convinced the law will help save lives. According to AAA, people who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get in an accident or narrowly avoid an accident than those who do not text and drive. 

Linda Gorman, a spokeswoman for AAA, said the company plans to lobby the congress in Arizona in an effort to secure a nationwide ban on texting while driving by 2013.

So far 19 states and Washington D.C. have adopted similar laws. In Arizona, texting while driving is only illegal in Phoenix. If the bill passes, texting while driving will be banned in all areas of the state.

If you were cited for driving while texting in Phoenix, you should know there are ways you can fight your ticket to avoid paying a fine and getting points assessed to your driving record. A  Phoenix criminal defense lawyer at the Knowles Law Firm can provide you with experienced representation and help you contest your ticket.

To speak with an attorney at the firm, please  contact the office by calling (888) 332-5621 or (602) 702-5431!