Governor Terry Branstad recently signed into law legislation that would make texting and driving in the state a primary offense.

Starting July 1 law enforcement officers will have the authority to pull over drivers they suspect of using their cellphones to send messages, take pictures or browse the internet. Chief Dan Losada with the Knoxville Police Department tells KNIA/KRLS News he wants to thank lawmakers for the good start but he wants to see more done, such as banning the use of all handheld devices. Losada adds, the fine for texting and driving is $30 dollars but with added court costs residents could potentially pay more than $100 for an infraction.