A new law effective December 1st, 2009 makes it illegal to text while driving in the state of North Carolina. Talking and surfing the web on your phone will driving is still permitted. The use of GPS devices while driving is legal as well. However, both emailing and texting are no longer legal.

One interesting caveat of the law is that is it only for moving vehicles. So technically you can check text while at a red light or stuck in traffic. However, I will not be the first one to test this out. The fines for violators can be up to $100.00 plus court costs. If there is a debate about a ticket, the courts will be able to subpoena your cell phone provider for usage information. Other stipulations for this law include drivers under 18. They will no longer be able to use the internet, camera or I-POD type devices while driving.

Here is how the new law breaks down:

Legal:

• Talking on the phone with or w/o hands free set
• Checking caller ID
• Surfing the web on your phone
• GPS Devices

Illegal:

• Texting while driving
• Reading text messages while driving
• Emailing while driving
• Reading email while driving

Typing on your smart phone while driving is dangerous, no matter what you’re doing. I have had a number of close calls because I was reading a text or trying to send one while driving.  However, this law seems like a pain to try and enforce. The caveats in the law, like checking your caller ID or enabling your GPS on your phone create a lot of grey area. I can’t wait to see how many times the courts pull usage information to try and get a $100 fine.