In August, the city of Twin Falls became the first city in the state of Idaho to prohibit texting while driving.  As of October 1^st, the ban is effective and the local police department is prepared to enforce the new law. 

The ordinance bans all drivers from exchanging text, e-mail, or instant messages with their phone.  Dialing and making calls are still legal, which some argue could make the ordinance tough to enforce.

For Greg Lanting, the Twin Falls Councilman who came up with the idea, texting while driving is a distraction to can be avoided.

“Texting is just one of those things it takes both your eyes and your thought processes to do it — you have to be thinking about what you want to say so it really does distract you,” said Lanting

Staff Sgt. Dennis Pullin says police officers will have the discretion of issuing a simple warning or giving out a citation.

“We’re going to watch for violations and enforce it,” said Pullin. “We put this ban in place to make it safer on the roadway.”

Texting while driving in Twin Falls will result in a $50 fine plus court costs, and up to $300 if the violation includes inattentive driving.

Source: KMTV, September 30, 2010; Time News Magic Valley, October 1, 2010

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