Mass. House Approves Texting While Driving Ban

The Massachusetts House has overwhelmingly approved a ban on texting while driving. The bill now heads to the Senate.

The legislation, approved on a 150-1 vote, would bar all Massachusetts motorists, including police, from texting behind the wheel.

The bill would also prohibit drivers under 18 from using cell phones and require drivers 75 or older to undergo vision tests every five years.

Under the bill, those caught texting while driving would face a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and a $500 fine for all subsequent offenses.

If the bill is approved, Massachusetts would join 28 other states and the District of Columbia in banning drivers from texting.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Deval Patrick said he supports efforts to make the state's roads safer.