The Department of Public Safety held a media availability to discuss the increased fine for texting and driving.
The new law was passed by the Legislature earlier this year and signed by Governor Mark Dayton. It takes effect on August 1.
Under the enhanced law, drivers face a $225 fine for second and subsequent violations of the texting while driving law, in addition to the current $50 fine.
The increased fine is meant to encourage drivers who repeatedly risk the safety of all motorists to put the phone down.
Matthew Riggs lost his brother and best friend, David, to a texting driver in 2013. David wasn’t afraid to tell people to put the phone down, but his voice can no longer be heard.
The Riggs family hopes the higher fine helps keep other families from suffering a similar loss.