Texting while driving ban passes in Alaska

It’s official: texting while driving will get you pulled over in Wrangell and elsewhere across the State of Alaska.

Thanks to a bill by Representatives Les Gara and Bill Thomas, along with the co-sponsorship of Rep. Peggy Wilson, Alaska’s anti-texting law – one of the strongest in the country – is now back on the books.

In 2011, the question of whether current anti-cell phone use laws covered texting became a focal point for a number of judges and magistrates across the state.

With the new law, however, there is no question. If you text while driving, you will be breaking the law.

Wrangell Police Chief Doug McCloskey said texting while driving is dangerous – and that his officers could stop and cite drivers they observe texting.

“Anything that distracts you from safe driving is just that, unsafe,” McCloskey said. “When you’re not paying attention, the little things can get you in trouble. It’s a primary offense and we can pull you over for it.”

Although the bail schedule has not been set yet in Wrangell for a texting violation, the Alaska Department of Law has consistently said that first time violators would be subject to community service or fines.