Bill Text: IL HB4937 | 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 (rather than only prohibiting the composing, sending, or reading of electronic messages while operating a vehicle) unless the electronic communication device is used in hands-free or voice-activated mode or one of 5 other limited exceptions apply. Effective January 1, 2011.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-15 - Referred to Rules Committee [HB4937 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2009-HB4937-Introduced.html

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96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2009 and 2010 HB4937 Introduced 1/15/2010, by Rep. Mark H. Beaubien, Jr. SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device (rather than only prohibiting the composing, sending, or reading of electronic messages while operating a vehicle) unless the electronic communication device is used in hands-free or voice-activated mode or one of 5 other limited exceptions apply. Effective January 1, 2011.
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CORRECTIONAL BUDGET AND IMPACT NOTE ACT MAY APPLY
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 changing
Section 12-610.2 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)
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 or a device that is
physically or electronically integrated into the motor
vehicle.
"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

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while using an electronic communication device to compose,
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;
(3) a driver using an electronic communication device
in hands-free or voice-activated mode; or
(4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a
message displayed on a permanently installed communication
device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a
screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches
wide in size;
(5) a driver using an electronic communication device
while parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or
(6) a driver using an electronic communication device
when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being
obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle
transmission in neutral or park.
(Source: P.A. 96-130, eff. 1-1-10; revised 11-4-09.)

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Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January
1, 2011.