Signed by Governor John Kasich

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits texting while driving.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic wireless communication device to manually read, write, or send a written message while operating a motor vehicle, except in any of the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual is operating the handheld device using a hands free device;
• The individual is using a handheld device to contact emergency personnel; 
• The individual is entering or selecting a telephone for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call;
• The individual is receiving information for the purpose of navigation, safety or emergencies;
• The individual is receiving wireless messages via radio waves;
• The individual is the operator of a commercial truck who is using a mobile data terminal;
• The individual is the operator of an emergency vehicle who is using the equipment necessary for the performance of his job-related duties; or
• The individual is inside a motor vehicle that is not in motion and is outside the lane of travel.

• Defines an “electronic wireless communication device” as any of the following (Sec. 1):
• Wireless telephone;
• Computer or computer tablet; or
• Any substantially similar wireless device used to communicate text.

• Prohibits an individual with a probationary license or an individual with an instructional permit who is less than 18 years of age from using an electronic wireless communication device in any manner, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual is using a handheld device to contact emergency personnel;
• The individual is inside a motor vehicle that is not in motion and is outside the lane of travel; or
• The individual is using a navigation device in a voice operated or hands free manner.

• Classifies a violation of this bill as a misdemeanor punishable by a 60 day license suspension and a $150 fine (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this bill does not invalidate, preempt, or supersede equivalent municipal ordinances that have higher penalties than those established by this bill (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a law enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is operating the vehicle while using a handheld communication device (Sec. 1).

• Requires law enforcement officers to issue warnings, but not citations, for violations during the 6-month period starting on June 1, 2012 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits texting while driving.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic wireless communication device to manually read, write, or send a written message while operating a motor vehicle, except in any of the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual is operating the handheld device using a hands free device;
• The individual is using a handheld device to contact emergency personnel; 
• The individual is entering or selecting a telephone for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call;
• The individual is receiving information for the purpose of navigation, safety or emergencies;
• The individual is receiving wireless messages via radio waves;
• The individual is the operator of a commercial truck who is using a mobile data terminal;
• The individual is the operator of an emergency vehicle who is using the equipment necessary for the performance of his job-related duties; or
• The individual is inside a motor vehicle that is not in motion and is outside the lane of travel.

• Defines an “electronic wireless communication device” as any of the following (Sec. 1):
• Wireless telephone;
• Computer or computer tablet; or
• Any substantially similar wireless device used to communicate text.

• Prohibits an individual with a probationary license or an individual with an instructional permit who is less than 18 years of age from using an electronic wireless communication device in any manner, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The individual is using a handheld device to contact emergency personnel;
• The individual is inside a motor vehicle that is not in motion and is outside the lane of travel; or
• The individual is using a navigation device in a voice operated or hands free manner.

• Classifies a violation of this bill as a misdemeanor punishable by a 60 day license suspension and a $150 fine (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this bill does not invalidate, preempt, or supersede equivalent municipal ordinances that have higher penalties than those established by this bill (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a law enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is operating the vehicle while using a handheld communication device (Sec. 1).

• Requires law enforcement officers to issue warnings, but not citations, for violations during the 6-month period starting on June 1, 2012 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text