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Heftier Distracted Driving Penalties Go Into Effect Today

Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell is reminding drivers there are now stricter penalties for distracted driving. A new law which went into effect today makes the first instance of distracted driving a moving violation. 

“Prior to this it wasn’t on the first offense. Why this is significant is because anyone that receives three moving violations in a 12-month span is highly likely to have their license suspended by the Secretary of State’s Office," he said. 

Asbell said people using their phones while driving is the most common and dangerous form of distracted driving he sees on the roadways.

Other laws which went into effect today include raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21 and tax hikes on tobacco products and gasoline.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.