Wauseon council passes ban on sending, reading texts while driving

10/18/2011

WAUSEON — In 30 days, motorists who send or read text messages while driving in Wauseon will be breaking the law.

City Council on Monday night voted 4-0 to adopt a ban on sending texts while driving, making Wauseon the second community in northwest Ohio to do so. Two council members were absent due to vacations, but the ordinance had been widely supported.

The new law, which takes effect in 30 days, makes it a minor misdemeanor to send, read, or write a text message or access the Internet while driving. The law applies to all electronic devices, including cell phones, iPads, and personal computers.

While the first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $150, a second offense would be a third-degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.