Distracted driving law now more strict

Manchester, Conn. (WTNH) - Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill into law Thursday increasing fines for those who dial, text or talk on cell phone while behind the wheel of a car.

The new law expands the five year old ban on the use of hand-held cell phones to include all electronic devices and will raise the fines for this type of illegal behavior.

The law also eliminates the one-time exemption from a fine for first time offenders. The governor called that piece of the law a "get out of jail free pass." Now she says there is "no break" for drivers who claim they didn't know the law.

The governor says the she signed the bill in order to keep the states roads "as safe as possible."

"Let me be perfectly clear, Connecticut is truly serious about cutting down on distracted driving," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. "One thing that we all agree on when you're behind the wheel you should be focused on driving. This bill focuses on cell phones and texting, but also distracted driving in general."

One of the many local police chiefs in attendance at Thursday's signing ceremony said his officers are seeing more and more cases of people texting while driving. "It is worse than using the phone, because it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off the job at hand, which is driving," said Chief James Strillacci of the West Hartford Police Department.

The new fine will be $100 for first offenders and $150 for second offenders. All offenses after that will carry a $200 fine.

25 percent of all fines collected will go to the municipality where the violation occurred.