After having enacted a law that prohibits users from using a cellular communication device for voice while driving without a headset, California will soon be tightening its laws to prohibit texting while driving. The new ban on texting will take effect January 2009. According to CrunchGear, the first offense will set violators back $20 and $50 thereafter for additional infractions. While the charges may seem low, there will be administrative charges and fees that will make the fine a bit harder to swallow.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the law comes in light of the recent deadly train collision in Southern California. Investigators are still determining whether the train operator was texting when the accident occurred. The consumer ban is being supported by bicyclists and the insurance and cell phone industries.

Photo from the LA Times.