State increases fines for distracted driving

The price of texting and driving increased Friday as the state’s Department of Transportation upped fines for distracted driving.

Starting Friday, first-time violators will be fined $200, up from $150. Offenders will now be fined $375 the second time they get caught driving distracted, up from the previous $300 fine for second violations, the Connecticut Department of Transportation said.

Third and subsequent violations will accrue a $625 fine. This was previously $500, according to the state agency.

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car crashes nationwide. In 2020, there were almost 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving in Connecticut alone, according to the DOT.

DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said officials are putting in more effort this month to cut down distracted driving.

“State and local police will be increasing enforcement of the distracted driving law — which now carries a much heftier fine for offenders,” he said.

Connecticut law prohibits drivers from using any hand-held mobile electronic device. Drivers who are 17 years or younger can’t use a cellphone or mobile device at all, even if it is hands-free, the DOT said.

“Every time you pick up your phone while driving you are putting your life and the lives of others in danger,” Giulietti said. “Drivers should focus on the most important task: hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”