California bans texting while driving

SACRAMENTO, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a law banning motorists from reading, writing or sending a text message while driving a vehicle.

The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, fines drivers $20 for a first offense and $50 for any later violation.

"Banning electronic text-messaging while driving will keep drivers' hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Surveys show texting is widespread among drivers.

The state Public Utilities Commission recently banned certain railroad workers from using text-messaging devices or cell phones on moving trains in the wake of a Sept. 12 collision between a Southern California commuter train and a freight train, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Investigators are exploring if texting by an engineer contributed to the crash in the Chatsworth district in the San Fernando Valley region, which killed 25 people and injured 135.

Insurers, bicyclists and cell phone companies backed the latest measure, along with a July 1 ban on holding a cell phone while driving.

The earlier law lets drivers use mobile phones only with hands-free devices such as headsets.

State police have issued nearly 20,000 citations to motorists for illegally talking on cell phones since July 1, a California Highway Patrol spokesman told the Times.

The number does not include citations by local police departments.