Nebraska Police Still See Problems with Texting Ban

Law enforcement officials continue to grapple with how to enforce a 2010 state law that bans texting while driving.

The Telegram reports Columbus police have issued one ticket and three warnings since the ban went into effect almost 18 months ago. The Platte County sheriff’s office has issued a few warnings.

Law enforcement officials say the law is difficult to enforce because texting while driving is a secondary offense. That means drivers have to be pulled over for primary offenses, such as speeding, before being ticketed for texting.

Columbus Police Capt. Todd Thalken says it’s also a difficult violation to prove. Talking on a cell phone while driving is allowed, so showing that a driver was using the device to text requires either an admission of guilt or phone records.