Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits anyone who has an instruction permit or Class D license and is under the age of 18 from engaging in wireless communication while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

-Defines "engaging in a wireless communication" as talking, writing, sending or reading a text-based communication or listening on a wireless telecommunications device (Sec. 4). -Defines wireless communication device as a (Sec. 4):

-Cellular telephone; -Text-messaging device; -Personal digital assistant; -Stand alone computer; or -Other similar wireless device that is used to initiate or receive wireless communication with another person.

-Authorizes the use of a wireless communication device during certain emergency situations (Sec. 4). -Specifies that any driver under the age of 18 found to be at fault for causing an accident while engaging in wireless communication shall be penalized as follows (Sec. 2):

-A driver's license suspension of 90 days or until the offender turns 18, whichever is shorter; or -For a second or subsequent violation, a driver's license suspension of 6 months or until the offender turns 18, whichever is shorter.

-Requires a person whose license is suspended under the provisions of this bill to pay a $60.00 (or $50.00 if processed by mail) restoration fee in order to end the suspension after the required time period has passed (Sec. 2). -Specifies that drivers who engage in wireless communication in violation of the provisions of this bill shall be subject to the following penalties (Sec. 1 & 4):

-2 motor vehicle point reduction; and -A fine between $50 and $100, or double the amount if the violator is involved in an accident at the time.

-This is a substitute bill by the House Committee on Motor Vehicles.

Full Bill Text