Signed by Governor Gary Herbert

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits texting while driving on a highway.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a “handheld wireless communication device” to manually read, write, or send certain written communication while operating a motor vehicle on a highway including, but not limited to, the following types of communication (Sec. 2):
• A text message;
• Electronic mail; and
• Dialing of a phone number.

• Defines “handheld wireless communication device” as a handheld device used for the transfer of information without the use of electrical wires, including the following devices (Sec. 2):
• A wireless telephone;
• A text messaging device;
• A laptop; or
• Any “substantially similar” device that is “readily removable” from the vehicle and that is used to read, write, or send text or data through manual input.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not prohibit any individual from using a handheld communication device while operating a motor vehicle under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, for voice communication or for viewing a navigation device or application (Sec. 2).

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this bill as follows (Sec. 2):
• A Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100; or
• A Class B misdemeanor, if the individual also inflicted “serious bodily injury” upon another as a “proximate” result of the violation of the provisions of this bill, or if the individual was convicted in violation of the provisions of this bill within the previous 3 years.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits texting while driving on a highway.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from using a “handheld wireless communication device” to manually read, write, or send certain written communication while operating a motor vehicle on a highway including, but not limited to, the following types of communication (Sec. 2):
• A text message;
• Electronic mail; and
• Dialing of a phone number.

• Defines “handheld wireless communication device” as a handheld device used for the transfer of information without the use of electrical wires, including the following devices (Sec. 2):
• A wireless telephone;
• A text messaging device;
• A laptop; or
• Any “substantially similar” device that is “readily removable” from the vehicle and that is used to read, write, or send text or data through manual input.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not prohibit any individual from using a handheld communication device while operating a motor vehicle under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, for voice communication or for viewing a navigation device or application (Sec. 2).

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this bill as follows (Sec. 2):
• A Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100; or
• A Class B misdemeanor, if the individual also inflicted “serious bodily injury” upon another as a “proximate” result of the violation of the provisions of this bill, or if the individual was convicted in violation of the provisions of this bill within the previous 3 years.

Full Bill Text