West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed a bill Tuesday banning texting and handheld cellphone use while driving in the state.
Beginning in July, texting while driving will be a primary driving offense and talking on a handheld cellphone will be a secondary offense. In July 2013, talking on a handheld cellphone will become a primary offense.
West Virginia is the 36th state to ban texting while driving, the Governors Highway Safety Association said.