Bill Text: NJ A2229 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Prohibits use of hands-free wireless telephones and electronic communication devices while providing instruction in the operation of a motor vehicle.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-02 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee [A2229 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-A2229-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF
District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
Assemblywoman DIANNE C. GOVE
District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Prohibits use of hands-free wireless telephones and electronic communication devices while providing instruction in the operation of a motor vehicle.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act prohibiting certain use of hands-free wireless telephones and electronic communication devices and supplementing Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no person who is licensed to give instruction in the operation of a motor vehicle at a drivers' school pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1951, c.216 (C.39:12-5) shall use either a hands-free wireless telephone or a hands-free electronic communication device as those terms are defined in section 1 of P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3) while providing such instruction unless:
(1) The instructor has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or
(2) The instructor is using the wireless telephone or electronic communication device to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard, a medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless, or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device user's records or the testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities receiving such calls or communications shall be deemed sufficient evidence of the existence of all lawful calls or communications made under this paragraph.
b. A person who violates subsection a. of this section shall be subject to a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second and each subsequent offense.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would prohibit any person licensed to give instruction in the operation of a motor vehicle at a drivers' school from using either a hands-free wireless telephone or a hands-free electronic communication device while providing such instruction, unless the instructor fears for his safety or is using the wireless telephone or electronic communication device to report an emergency to the proper authorities.
