AUGUSTA ( AP) — A key legislative committee has approved a bill that toughens rules regarding teenage drivers and boosts penalties for irresponsible driving.
The Legislature’s Transportation Committee on Tuesday approved the bill that extends the period of restrictions on intermediate driver licenses and adds fines and suspensions for drivers who violate those restrictions.
It also increases the minimum fine for texting while driving for all drivers, from $100 to $250.
The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Bill Diamond. The Windham Democrat tells Maine Today Media that parents and grandparents support the legislation.
The law has the backing of Secretary of State Charlie Summers, who says since Christmas Maine has had 18 traffic fatalities involving drivers ages 18 to 24.
The bill now moves to the full Legislature.
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