Signed by Governor Maggie Hassan

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the usage of hand held mobile electronic devices while driving, effective July 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual using any hand held mobile electronic device, while driving a motor vehicle or temporarily halted in traffic, from engaging in certain activities including, but not limited to, the following activities (Sec. 1):
• The reading, composing, viewing, or posting of any electronic message;
• The initiating, receiving, or conducting of a conversation; and
• The inputting of information into a global positioning or navigating device.

• Authorizes an individual to use a hand held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle or temporarily halted in traffic under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• To report an emergency to 911 or law enforcement;
• To transmit or receive messages on a non-cellular 2-way radio; and
• To use a Bluetooth enabled hand held mobile electronic device or other hands-free electronic devices.

• Prohibits the use of a mobile electronic device, whether hand held or not, during the operation of a motor vehicle by any individual under the age of 18, except to report an emergency to 911 o other safety agency (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill do not apply in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• When an individual pulls his or her motor vehicle to the side of the road or off the road at a legal location; and
• When a motor vehicle is stationary.

• Establishes the following fines for violations of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1):
• A fine of $100 plus a penalty assessment for the first offense;
• A fine of $250 plus a penalty assessment for the second offense; and
• A fine of $500 plus a penalty assessment for any subsequent offense within a 24 month period. 

Full Bill Text