Alabama Governor Robert Bentley last week signed into law a prohibition on text messaging while driving.

The new law takes effect on August 1 and violators will be fined $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third or subsequent offense.

Alabama and 37 other states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands ban text messaging by all drivers. Ten states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands prohibit all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

In 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign to combat the growing trend of dangerous distracted driving behavior in America. To help further raise awareness, the U.S. DOT also launched Distraction.gov, a dedicated website that provides the public with a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving.