Use Of Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving

Current law prohibits the use of wireless telephones while driving for individuals who are younger than 18 years of age. The bill:

• Extends the prohibition to drivers of all ages;
• Extends the existing prohibition of the use of wireless telephones to include all mobile electronic devices;
• Establishes the penalties as $50 and 2 points for a first violation, $100 and 2 points for a second violation, $200 and 4 points for a third or subsequent violation, and $300 and 4 points if the violation involves text messaging;
• Creates an exception to the prohibition of the use of mobile electronic devices for adult drivers who use a mobile electronic device while a hands-free accessory is engaged; and
• Repeals a sentence enhancement for a violation that causes bodily injury or death.

Appropriates $7,425 to the department of revenue to implement the bill.

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)