Signed by Governor Steve Beshear

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits the use of personal communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

-Defines a "personal communication device" as a device capable of two-way audio or text communication that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers communication to the possessor, including but not limited to a paging device and a cellular phone (Sec. 7). -Prohibits any person operating a motor vehicle that is in motion to write, send, or read text-based communication using a personal communication device to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including but not limited to communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail (Sec. 7). -Authorizes the use of personal communication devices for the following purposes (Sec. 7):

-The use of a global positioning system feature of a personal communication device; -The reading, selecting, or entering of a telephone number or name in a personal communication device for the purpose of making a phone call; -An operator of an emergency or public safety vehicle, when the use of a personal communication device is an essential function of the operator's official duties; or -The operator of a motor vehicle who writes a text message on a personal communication device to report illegal activity, summon medical help, summon a law enforcement or public safety agency, or prevent injury to a person or property.

-Specifies that any person under the age of 18 shall not operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped that is in motion on the traveled portion of a roadway while using a personal communication device, except to summon help in an emergency situation (Sec. 7). -Specifies that any violator shall not be issued a uniform citation, but shall instead receive a courtesy warning prior to January 1, 2011 and fined $25 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense on or after January 1, 2011 (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text