Bill Text: IL HB0996 | 2009-2010 | 96th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. Provides that a violation is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. Sets forth exceptions.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-03-13 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB0996 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2009-HB0996-Introduced.html

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96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2009 and 2010 HB0996 Introduced 2/10/2009, by Rep. Thomas Holbrook SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 new
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. Provides that a violation is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. Sets forth exceptions.
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A BILL FOR
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AN ACT concerning transportation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding
Section 12-610.2 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 new)
Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.
(a) As used in this Section:
"Electronic communication device" means an electronic
device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone,
personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer
while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or
sending an electronic message, but does not include a global
positioning system or navigation system when the system is used
exclusively for navigation purposes.
"Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of
digital communication that is designed or intended to be
transmitted between physical devices. "Electronic message"
includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text
message, an instant message, or a command or request to access
an Internet site.
(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway
while using an electronic communication device to compose,

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send, or read an electronic message.
(c) A violation of this Section is an offense against
traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
(d) This Section does not apply to:
(1) a law enforcement officer or operator of an
emergency vehicle while performing his or her official
duties;
(2) a driver using an electronic communication device
for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation
and continued communication with emergency personnel
during the emergency situation; or
(3) a driver using an electronic communication device
solely in voice-activated mode.