Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits drivers of a vehicle in motion from texting, and prohibits all cell phone use from drivers of a vehicle in motion under the age of 18.

Highlights:

-Exempts the following from the prohibition (Sec. 5):

-Using a GPS feature on a cell phone; -Reading, selecting, or entering a telephone number or name for the purpose of making a call; -Using the cell phone as part of the official duties of an emergency or public safety vehicle operator; or -Writing a text a text message to do the following:
-Report illegal activity; -Summon medical help; -Summon a law enforcement or public safety agency; or -Prevent injury to a person or property.

-Exempts use of a citizens band radio or amateur radio from the prohibition on communications device use on drivers under the age of 18 (Sec. 5). -Requires the penalties for violations of the prohibition to be the following (Sec. 5):

-Before January1, 2011, a courtesy warning; and -After January 1, 2011, a fine of between $20 and $100 not subject to any additional fees or costs.

-Specifies that violations of the prohibitions by drivers under the age of 18 resets the 180 day probationary period for new drivers with an instruction permit applying for an intermediate driver's license or intermediate driver's licenses holders applying for an operator's license (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text