A ban on texting behind the wheel is now law in Pennsylvania, although it will be four months before it takes effect.
Governor Tom Corbett on Wednesday signed the measure at a news conference in a phone store in the suburbs of Harrisburg.
"No text message is worth a human life," Corbett said during the bill signing.
The bill makes violations a primary offense. That means police can pull you over if they see you texting while you're driving.
If you get caught breaking the law, you can be fined $50.
The law defines a text-based message as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD).
Police cannot take away your cell phone or other device.
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Talking on a cell phone -- even without a hands-free device -- does remain legal for Pennsylvania motorists.
