BILLINGS – A Great Falls Republican lawmaker has sponsored a bill that would prohibit minors from texting and driving in Montana, even when they are stopped in traffic.
Rep. Fred Anderson is proposing that anyone under the age of 18 caught texting while driving or texting while stopped in traffic at a traffic control signal or at a stop sign be fined.
He is proposing a minor who violates the proposed law be fined $50 on the first occasion but that more penalties will happen for any additional violations.
Anderson is proposing that if a minor is caught violating the texting and driving law for the third time, they will be fined as much as $200.
However, in the bill, a driver can use a phone to report a fire or call for emergency help. Navigations systems are still permitted.
The bill was introduced on January 10 and has been referred to a legislative committee.
-Andrea Lutz reporting for MTN News
