Pa. Senate Approves Texting While Driving Ban

Pennsylvania is getting set to join more than 30 other states (including New Jersey and Delaware) that ban all motorists from texting while driving.

The state Senate on Tuesday voted 45-5 to approve an amended version of a bill it easily passed in June. The state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the bill on Monday.

Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign the bill. The bill would make texting behind the wheel a primary offense so that police can pull over motorists for that violation alone. The penalty is $50 but police may not seize the cell phone or other device.

However, talking on a cell phone -- even without a hands-free device -- remains legal for motorists after the House removed a provision that would ban the activity. Nine states have such bans.