Signed by Governor Pat Quinn

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic device in any capacity while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway, whereas current law prohibits only composing or reading a text message (Sec. 5).

• Exempts an individual from the provisions of this bill in the following situations (Sec. 5):
• The individual is using a headset, two-way radio, or citizens band radio;
• The individual presses a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; 
• The individual is using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant.

• Establishes the following maximum fines for an individual who is found in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 5):
• a fine of $75 for the first offense;
• a fine of $100 for the second offense;
• a fine of $125 for the third offense; and
• a fine of $150 for the fourth and subsequent offenses.

• Specifies that a second or subsequent violation of this bill is considered a moving violation (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a handheld electronic device in any capacity while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway, whereas current law prohibits only composing or reading a text message (Sec. 5).

• Exempts an individual from the provisions of this bill in the following situations (Sec. 5):
• The individual is using a headset, two-way radio, or citizens band radio;
• The individual presses a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; 
• The individual is using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant.

• Establishes the following maximum fines for an individual who is found in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 5):
• a fine of $75 for the first offense;
• a fine of $100 for the second offense;
• a fine of $125 for the third offense; and
• a fine of $150 for the fourth and subsequent offenses.

• Specifies that a second or subsequent violation of this bill is considered a moving violation (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits using an electronic handheld device while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using an electronic handheld device in any capacity while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway, whereas current law prohibits only composing or reading a text message (Sec. 5).

• Exempts a driver from the provisions of the bill in the following circumstances, including but not limited to (Sec. 5):
• The driver is using a headset, two-way radio, or citizens band radio;
• The driver presses a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; or
• The driver is using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant. 

• Establishes the following maximum fines for an individual who is found in violation of the provisions of the bill (Sec. 5):
• $75 for the first offense;
• $100 for the second offense;
• $125 for the third offense; and
• $150 for the fourth and subsequent offense.

Full Bill Text