Operating a motor vehicle while wearing headphones or earbuds and providing a penalty

2. A person may not drive a motor vehicle while composing or sending an electronic text message or an electronic mail message, subject to limited exceptions.

3. A person holding a probationary license or instruction permit may not drive a motor vehicle while using a cellular or other wireless telephone, except to report an emergency.

4. A person may not drive a vehicle while operating or while in a position to directly observe an electronic device within the vehicle that is providing entertainment through primarily visual means. This prohibition does not apply to certain vehicles and certain devices.

Any person who is convicted of a violation described in item 1. or 2., above, may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $400, and any person who is convicted of a violation described in item 3. or 4., above, 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.

The bill creates another form of inattentive driving, prohibiting a person from driving a motor vehicle while wearing headphones over, or earbuds in, both ears.

However, this prohibition does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency or roadside service vehicles, sanitation workers, persons operating a motorcycle while wearing a helmet with integrated headphones, or persons wearing hearing aids. A person who violates the prohibition may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $40 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor more than $100 for the second or subsequent conviction within a year.