Driving-while-typing is now illegal in Alaska.
The state's ban on text messaging while driving officially took
effect Monday. It's still legal to read text messages while
driving, but not to type them.
Like the state's seat belt law, it is considered a primary
offense, so an officer can pull a driver over if he or she suspects
the driver is typing on an electronic device. But unlike other
traffic violations, driving while texting could land a driver in
jail.
Texting behind the wheel is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of up to $5,000 and one year in jail. If a driver hurts or kills
someone or causes a crash that kills someone, the offense is
increased to a felony.
Alaska is the fifth state to adopt such a law.