A stronger anti-texting law in Louisiana is garnering praise from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Beginning Aug. 15, drivers caught texting while driving can be pulled over, rather than being merely ticketed for it if pulled over for another offense. Unchanged from the state’s original 2008 ban, drivers face fines of $175 and up to $500 for any following offenses.

Louisiana Ups the Ante on Fines for Texting While Driving

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a new law that makes texting while driving in the state a primary offense beginning Aug. 15. The law strengthens Louisiana’s 2008 texting ban that allowed law enforcement officials to ticket drivers caught using their phones only if they were pulled over for another offense. Drivers caught texting behind the wheel will continue to face a fine of $175 for the first offense and up to $500 for any that follow.

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