Signed by Governor Mike Beebe

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of handheld wireless telephones in school zones and highway work zones.

Highlights:

-Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building (Sec. 5). -Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a highway work zone when a highway worker is present (Sec. 5). -Authorizes the use of a handheld wireless telephone in school zones and highway work zones while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose (Sec. 5). -Prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or detaining a driver of a motor vehicle solely to determine compliance with this act (Sec. 2). -Excludes hands-free wireless telephones and global positioning or navigation devices from the definition of a handheld wireless telephone (Sec. 1). -Specifies that a hands-free wireless telephone may require the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the wireless telephone, and that the hands-free component may be a permanent or temporary part of the wireless telephone (Sec. 1). -Specifies that this act does not apply to law enforcement officers (Sec. 5). -Specifies that the provisions of this act apply to all violations committed on and after October 1, 2011 (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of handheld wireless telephones in school zones and highway work zones.

Highlights:

-Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building (Sec. 5). -Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a highway work zone when a highway worker is present (Sec. 5). -Authorizes the use of a handheld wireless telephone in school zones and highway work zones while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose (Sec. 5). -Prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or detaining a driver of a motor vehicle solely to determine compliance with this act (Sec. 2). -Excludes hands-free wireless telephones and global positioning or navigation devices from the definition of a handheld wireless telephone (Sec. 1). -Specifies that a hands-free wireless telephone may require the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the wireless telephone, and that the hands-free component may be a permanent or temporary part of the wireless telephone (Sec. 1). -Specifies that this act does not apply to law enforcement officers (Sec. 5). -Specifies that the provisions of this act apply to all violations committed on and after October 1, 2011 (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text