Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law a measure that will prohibit motorists from sending text messages while driving, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The law, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2010, will ban text messaging, e-mailing, downloading ringtones and instant-messaging. Drivers will still be able to use GPS devices—and can text emergency/accident reports. Users can also text if traffic is stopped and the car is in park or neutral.
Violators will be fined $75. Three tickets in a year could result in the loss of the driver’s license.