SALEM -- Getting caught in the act of making a call or tapping out a text while driving could soon cost a serious chunk of change.

Under a bill that has suddenly picked up steam at the Oregon Legislature, the fine for using a cell phone from behind the wheel would double to a maximum of $500 instead of the current $250 maximum.

, D-Salem, who is pushing the bill, said he ratcheted down his original proposal of a $1,000 fine to secure enough backing to keep the bill alive.

moves talking or texting while driving from Class D violation status to Class C. It applies only to people who don't use hands-free devices.

Courtney said his main focus is to quash the increased practice of sending or reading text messages while motoring through town.

"Texting is a way of life," he said shortly after a subcommittee breathed new life into a bill that had stagnated almost all session. "They really believe they can drive a car and text."

Courtney said he was inspired to stiffen penalties after he watched a video that demonstrated that texting was more dangerous than drinking when it comes to operating a car.

"The reaction times are worse," he said.

The bill includes $130,350 for the

to produce signs on state highways that warn drivers about the new fines. Courtney said he wants the same kind of public awareness campaign as the ones to persuade drivers to buckle up.

The Oregon State Police has taken a neutral stand on the bill, said Lt. Gregg Hastings, spokesman for the agency. But he acknowledges growing concern about the way cell phones are used by drivers.

"In general terms, texting and driving is a real problem," Hastings said. "It takes the focus off the task of driving."

Now that a law against using handheld cell phones in cars has been on the books for a couple of years, police are issuing fewer warnings and more citations, Hastings said.

Courtney's bill now goes to the full Ways and Means Committee, and then to the Senate and House floors. The fact that it has begun to move is a good indication that it is on its way to passage.

He said the current fine isn't enough of a deterrent –people continue to use their phones, and many remain unaware they are breaking the law.

"What's going to happen, God forbid, is some kid is going to get run over," Courtney said. He thinks the new fines, and the road signs, will move phone-caused distracted driving up with drunken driving as a clear danger in the public's mind.

"I think that the day of Mothers Against Texting is coming."

-- Harry Esteve