With the beginning of the new year, Austin, TX has enacted a new law prohibiting the use of any electronic device (like PDA, cell phone, iPod) while driving. The only exception is using a phone to actually talk. Browsing the web, texting, checking your email, etc., are all illegal now if you are driving.

You apparently can do all fo these things if you're stopped, say at a red light. But if you're caught driving while texting, or checking your email, you could face a hefty fine – $200!

You might ask just how the police department is going to enforce such a law. I mean, a cop would have to be driving alongside someone, and witness them “texting” or otherwise using a device, AND determine that they are NOT actually using the phone. Now, the police chief has said that officers are not going to demand to see your phone, in order to prove that you had been texting, etc. While they CAN subpoena your phone records for a court case, they will NOT confiscate your phone or otherwise ask to see 'proof' of what you were doing.

I think they are gonna have a REALLY hard time enforcing this rule. I doubt they are even gonna issue very many tickets for it either.

What do YOU think?