Use of wireless telephones while driving and providing a penalty. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Current law prohibits inattentive driving of a motor vehicle, which means that a driver of a motor vehicle may not be so engaged or occupied as to interfere with the safe driving of the vehicle. Current law also specifically prohibits, with certain exceptions, a person from driving while composing or sending an electronic text message. Persons who violate either of these prohibitions may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $400. Also under current law, a person driving under an instruction permit or a probationary license is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a cellular or other wireless telephone (cellular phone), except to report an emergency. Persons who violate this prohibition may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $40 for a first offense, and not less than $50 nor more than $100 for a second or subsequent offense within one year.

This bill prohibits any person from driving while using a cellular phone. Except in certain cases involving persons driving under an instruction permit or a probationary license, the prohibition does not apply to any of the following: 1) operators of authorized emergency vehicles; 2) use of certain emergency alert or vehicle monitoring devices; 3) use of global positioning system devices; 4) certain amateur radio operators; 5) certain use of hands-free telephones; and 6) use in response to an emergency. Persons who violate this prohibition may be required to forfeit not less than $20 or more than $400.

Who's behind it

7 representatives are its authors⁠. 6 are Democrats and 1 is a Republican.

1 more lawmaker signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT