{"id":1347,"date":"2022-08-16T20:26:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T20:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1347"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:16:11","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:16:11","slug":"why-cops-have-no-trouble-knowing-youre-texting-and-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/driving-safety\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-knowing-youre-texting-and-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cops Have No Trouble Knowing You\u2019re Texting and Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On our daily commute, we\u2019ve all seen drivers ignoring the \u201chands-free\u201d law, talking and texting on their cell phone while sitting behind the wheel in traffic. In fact, you may be one of them. And, let\u2019s face it, many of us are guilty of texting while driving and some of us will continue to do it, because we think we\u2019re smarter than the cops who are supposed to nab us for breaking the rules and driving while distracted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time for a Reality Check About Getting a Cell Phone Ticket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, which is where traffic tickets for cell phone violations are handed out, cops, for the most part, have no trouble knowing when a distracted driver is texting or calling their girlfriend while driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, sadly, despite state laws, a large number of drivers insist on using their cell phones, regardless of the risk of damages, serious injuries or death to themselves or other motorists \u2013 or the effect a car accident could have on their freedom, driving privileges, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/\">auto insurance rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving, including cell phone use, claimed more than 3,000 lives in traffic accidents in 2020. The agency\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/campaign\/distracted-driving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U Drive. U Text. U Pay.<\/a>\u201d campaign reminds drivers of the consequences of driving and texting, as well as the fact that 48 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands, have made it illegal to text and operate a motor vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More dismal information released from the NHTSA in 2022 includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>95% of study respondents consider reading or texting while driving very or extremely dangerous<\/li><li>11 teenagers die everyday due to crashes involving texting and driving<\/li><li>In 2019, 39% of high school students said they texted while driving in the last 30 days<\/li><li>In 2021, 16.2% of us were still driving and texting<\/li><li>Texting while driving is as bad as drinking 4 beers<\/li><li>6 million crashes happen per year due to cell phone use while driving<\/li><li>Texting while driving is 6 times deadlier than driving under the influence of alcohol<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much is a Texting and Driving Ticket?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The median base fine for a texting while driving conviction in the U.S. is $100. Your fine depends on the state you get caught in, as well as if this is your first offense or you are working on racking up multiple cell phone tickets. Obviously, your fines and penalties will go up if there are damages related to any car accidents or crashes resulting from your inattention to the road. Every state has different fines and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/drivers-license-points\/\">points<\/a> assigned to your driver\u2019s license. In states that use a point system, accumulate enough points and your license is suspended. In some states, attending traffic school could be enough for a primary offense. Some states allow talking on the phone if you are using a hands-free device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Illinois, for example, a texting while operating a motor vehicle conviction will get you 20 pints for a first offense. You\u2019re only allowed 15 before your license gets taken away. If you are over the age of 21 and you accumulate 15-44 points in a 24-month period, you\u2019ll lose your license for 2 months for a first suspension. Subsequent offenses obviously raise the stakes. Oh and there is a base fine of $75.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In California, surprisingly, the California Vehicle Code states a texting while driving conviction will cost you a meager $20. In Texas, you\u2019ll be paying $99 for a first-time conviction. Oregon is the biggest hit to your checkbook with a fine of $1,000. Utah follows closely with a $750 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You\u2019re Not Fooling Anyone <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those of you who might think you won\u2019t be caught, you may want to reconsider. Just because it hasn\u2019t happened yet doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re out-smarting the cops. The fact is, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/driving-safety\/4-common-reasons-youll-get-pulled-over-ticket\/\">cops use discretion<\/a> when deciding to chase after a guy with a cell phone glued to his ear and give him a ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few reasons why you\u2019re not fooling the cops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Holding Your Phone on the Steering Wheel Trick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a lot of motorists believe it\u2019s a good way to conceal their text usage from a passing cop, some blatantly refuse to hide their cell phone. But a cop can easily drop behind you and after a mile or two confirm what he suspects \u2013 you\u2019re on your phone \u2013 texting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Head is Constantly Bobbing Up and Down or to the Side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless you\u2019re a bobble head doll, this is a dead giveaway. Constantly glancing down to your lap, steering wheel or off to the side will automatically draw an officer\u2019s attention. Each time you sneak a peek at the screen, you\u2019re giving yourself away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7004\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-294x196.jpg 294w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/why-cops-have-no-trouble-telling-if-youre-texting-and-driving-285x190.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Glow From Your Screen at Night Screams \u201cI\u2019m Texting\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, if you insist on using your phone to text message, check your Facebook page or send an email at night, there\u2019s no way you can hide the fact you\u2019re on your cell phone and guilty of distracted driving. Regardless of how bright your screen is, a cop driving anywhere around you will notice what you\u2019re doing and probably give you some unwanted paperwork to sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lane Changes and Sudden Speeding Up and Slowing Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Driver inattention, especially a visual distraction such as a mobile device, causes inattention to road rules such as the speed limit. If you\u2019re behind the wheel and intent on receiving an instant message, you may be speeding up or slowing down or worse, failing to maintain your lane. This type of driver distraction is more prevalent with handheld cellphones than hands free wireless devices. If law enforcement notices this type of driver behavior, you may be looking at a texting violation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Motorcycle Cops Have a Clear View and the Advantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a reason why you\u2019re more likely to get pulled over by a motorcycle cop and given a traffic ticket. They have the advantage of being able to get in close and peer through the window by riding alongside your car. If your cell phone is anywhere in sight, they have the prerogative to cite you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Police Officer Could be Watching You From Above \u2013 or Beside You \u2013 or Invisibly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some states, a variety of methods are being considered, including setting up spotters on overpasses to look for people texting and operating a motor vehicle. Some other ingenious ideas law enforcement are using include posing an officer as a trucker \u2013 easily able to look down into your vehicle on the road. New York\u2019s ex-gov Andrew Cuomo put aside $1 million to modify Chevy Tahoes to sit higher on the road, enabling officers to peer into neighboring motor vehicles (it actually worked: NY troopers handed out 5,553 distracted driving tickets in a 2-month period, up from 924 during the same time period the year before).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And a Virginia company is developing a radar gun-like tool that can help law enforcement identify the radio frequencies used by someone using a cell phone. The device can even tell the difference between texting and calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Push Your Luck When it Comes to Distracted Driving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of the states are taking a hard look at this offense, and&nbsp;car insurance companies&nbsp;aren\u2019t far behind. Get a violation for distracted driving and they may take a closer look at your driving habits and the increased risk of you being involved in a serious accident with injuries and damages. This information could cause a rate increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember \u2013 your life isn\u2019t the only one at risk when you text message and drive. Besides the risk of a bad crash, if your children are in the car, you are teaching them a deadly habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get an Online Quote for Affordable Car Insurance Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need reliable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/auto-insurance\/cheap\/\">affordable car<\/a> insurance, call Freeway Insurance at&nbsp;(800) 777-5620. Freeway provides quality car insurance coverage for all drivers \u2013 no matter the driving record. Call today or request a&nbsp;free quote online.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On our daily commute, we\u2019ve all seen drivers ignoring the \u201chands-free\u201d law, talking and texting on their cell phone while sitting behind the wheel in traffic. In fact, you may be one of them. And, let\u2019s face it, many of us are guilty of texting while driving and some of us will continue to do [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002606,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[81],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1347"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002606"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1347"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1347\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9575,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1347\/revisions\/9575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1347"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1347"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1347"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=1347"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=1347"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}