There are now more crashes related to texting and driving than drinking and driving. In fact, 80 percent of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction.
In an effort to address this pressing issue a new campaign and a new Indiana specialty license plate aimed at increasing awareness of distracted driving in Indiana. The new plate reads, “Put the Phone Down,” and its goal is to keep Indiana drivers’ eyes on the road and not on their phone.
Proceeds from the license plate will sponsored safe driving programs in Indiana such as the Save a Life Tour, an all-day multimedia event which sheds light on the dangers of distracted driving.
Effective July 1, 2011, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law making it illegal to “type, transmit, or read e-mail or text messages on a communication device while driving in Indiana.” Those who violate may face fines up to $500.
The “Put the Phone Down” license plate became available on January 1, 2016. Indiana motorists may purchase the specialty license plate at any Indiana BMV license branch, certified partner locations, or at myBMV.com. The plate may be registered on passenger cars, trucks up to 11,000 pounds, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. The cost is $40, with $25 being returned to distracted driving programs
