HARRISBURG - Legislation making it illegal to text while driving, or talk on a cell phone with a handheld device passed the House, overwhelmingly, with the support of all Pocono area representatives.

House Bill 2070, which now heads to the Senate for approval, makes it a primary offense to text while driving or to make phones calls using a hand-held cell phone.   The bill prohibits junior license holders from using a wireless communication device while driving.

"Clearly, complete focus on the road is the safest option when driving, but this bill does allow hands-free cell phone use for experienced drivers," said Rep. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe).   "We have all heard too many horror stories involving texting and cell phone use causing distracted driving. We can no longer sit idly by waiting for common sense to prevail. Action needs to be taken legislatively to restrict this dangerous habit."

If enacted, a police officer observing a driver texting or using a cell phone can pull over the driver and issue a warning or fine. The summary offense carries a $50 fine and any applicable surcharges. The fine would be doubled in a work zone or school zone. Seventy-five percent of the fine revenue will be used for a statewide driver awareness program to discourage distracted driving.

House Bill 2070, which passed 189-6, still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor before becoming law in Pennsylvania.