Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits individuals from operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular telephone or handheld personal digital assistant to write, send, or read a written message beginning December 31, 2010.

Highlights:

• Exempts the following from the prohibition (Sec. 1):
• Individuals operating a voice-operated or hands-free device;
• Individuals operating an emergency vehicle;
• Law enforcement officers using equipment necessary for the officer's official duties;
• Individuals using a hand-held cellular telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call; and
• Individuals operating a vehicle that is not in motion and is not in a lane of traffic.

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this Act as a non-moving civil traffic violation and establishes the following fines (Sec. 1):
• $50 if the individual was not involved in a motor vehicle accident; or
• $200 if the individual was involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• Requires law enforcement officers to only issue warnings to individuals in violation of the provisions of this Act from January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2011 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits individuals from operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular telephone or handheld personal digital assistant to write, send, or read a written message beginning December 31, 2010.

Highlights:

• -Exempts the following from the prohibition (Sec. 1):
• Individuals operating a voice-operated or hands-free device;
• Individuals operating an emergency vehicle;
• Law enforcement officers using equipment necessary for the officer's official duties; and
• Individuals using a hand-held cellular telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call.

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this Act as a non-moving civil traffic violation and establishes the following fines (Sec. 1):
• $50 if the individual was not involved in a motor vehicle accident; or
• $200 if the individual was involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• Requires law enforcement officers to only issue warnings to individuals in violation of the provisions of this Act from January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2011 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text