Texting and driving law in full effect

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The message is clear, "Don't Text and Drive." AAA even put up a billboard earlier this week at Keowee and Leo Streets in Dayton.

It's to remind you that the 6-month "texting ban" grace period ended at midnight Friday, and the new law took full effect.

Under the law, teens are "not" allowed to use any electronic devices in the car to talk, text, or GPS.

A first violation will result in $150 fine and sixty days suspended license.

If caught a second time, the fine jumps to $300 and a license suspension of one year.

For drivers over 18, the law isn't quite as strict. Texting and driving will result in a fine up to $150.

Exceptions include pre-programmed GPS's, parked cars not on the roadway, and emergency calls to fire, police or hospitals.

If you're afraid you won't be able resist the urge to text and drive-- there are some apps to help, and they're free.

DriveSafe.ly will read incoming text messages out loud, that way you don't have to look at your screen.

text-STAR is able to sense motion, and disables texting when you drive at ten miles per hour or more.

You can also select an auto-response or create your own.

WDTN and Dayton's CW are also proud to bring back our WAIT2TXT campaign in 2013. Our school assembly focuses on the dangers of texting while driving.

For more information, or if you're interested in having WAIT2TXT come to your school, contact us at wait2txt@wdtn.com