By GARY D. ROBERTSON

Associated Press

RALEIGH -- People who own crocodiles, venomous snakes and large pythons in North Carolina must secure them in containers and face prosecution if the reptiles gravely attack someone in legislation that takes effect Tuesday in North Carolina.

The new reptile rules are among more than 50 largely criminal justice laws approved this year, including a texting-while-driving ban for all motorists, more authority for state officers who oversee probationers and the most significant changes to the state's sentencing grid since it began.

The minimum safety requirements for keeping dangerous reptiles are designed to update an abridged 60-year-old reptile law, said Andrew Wyatt of Coinjock, president of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. Increasing numbers of people now own these reptiles as a pet or for business who aren't linked to zoos or museums.

Private owners now will have to store or transport venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes and nonnative crocodilians in "escape-proof" and "bite-proof" enclosures with a working lock. The enclosures must be labeled to include emergency contact information and what should happen if the reptile bites someone or escapes.

Someone who intentionally or negligently handles these reptiles in an unsafe manner could be charged with a misdemeanor. The owner could face up to 150 days in jail if someone besides a family member or employee suffers a life-threatening injury or dies as a result.

The new driving-while-texting ban builds upon a 2006 law already making it illegal for young drivers to use a cell phone while driving as a way to reduce distractions on the road. Now all drivers are barred from text messaging or sending e-mails with their cell phones while on a road or highway, even if the car is idling at a stop light. There are some exceptions.

Violators could face a $100 fine plus $130 in court costs. Adults can continue to send or receive cell phone calls.

At least 18 other states have texting bans for all drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Reforms taking effect to better monitor the state's 114,000 probationers or parolees are based on recommendations after problems surfaced following last year's death of University of North Carolina student president Eve Carson. The two Durham teens charged with Carson's killing were on probation at the time of her death.

Now probation officers can have access to an offender's juvenile records without a court order to get a better handle on the person's criminal history. Warrantless searches also can now be a common condition of probation.

Other laws taking effect today will:

- Fine motorists as much as $100 if they drive a car with a license plate frame that covers the state name or plate date. Drivers who are cited will receive only a warning through next November.

- Ban the sale, possession and manufacture of Salvia divinorum, a hallucinogenic herb that's become popular among young people.

- Permit people who lose their licenses because of repeat drunken-driving convictions to ask that their driving privileges be restored after a spotless record for 10 years.