Signed by Governor Brad Little

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the hands-free use of certain devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, except in the following situations (Sec 2): 

• When an individual is working within the scope of their professional duties, such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or paramedic; 

• When an individual is using their phone in an emergency to get help or report an issue; 

• The hands-free use of a GPS system on a mobile phone; 

• The selection of a telephone number or a name to make a phone call, provided that the selection is made by voice-command or one-touch access;

• The use of a mobile device to assist in a farming or ranching operation; 

• Prohibits watching motion upon a mobile electronic device’s screen, unless that motion has to do with navigation of the vehicle (Sec. 3). 

• Establishes the following penalties for violating the bill (Sec 4.). 

• A $75 fine for the first violation; and 

• A $150 fine for the second violation within a 3 year period  

• A $300 fine for each subsequent violation within a 3 year period 

• Authorizes courts to suspend individual’s licenses for 90 days if they are found to have violated the bill 3 or more times (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the hands-free use of certain devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, except in the following situations (Sec 2): 

• When an individual is working within the scope of their professional duties, such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or paramedic; 

• When an individual is using their phone in an emergency to get help or report an issue; 

• The hands-free use of a GPS system on a mobile phone; 

• The selection of a telephone number or a name to make a phone call, provided that the selection is made by voice-command or one-touch access;

• The use of a mobile device to assist in a farming or ranching operation; 

• Prohibits watching motion upon a mobile electronic device’s screen, unless that motion has to do with navigation of the vehicle (Sec. 3). 

• Establishes the following penalties for violating the bill (Sec 4.). 

• A $75 fine for the first violation; and 

• A $150 fine for the second violation within a 3 year period  

• A $300 fine for each subsequent violation within a 3 year period 

• Authorizes courts to suspend individual’s licenses for 90 days if they are found to have violated the bill 3 or more times (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text