97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB2096
 
Introduced 2/22/2011, by Rep. Norine Hammond
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 

 
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2

     Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the prohibition against operating a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message does not apply to a driver using amateur radio receiving and transmitting equipment while in possession of a current and valid amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
  


LRB097 10039 HEP 50213 b

 
 
A BILL FOR
 

  
HB2096LRB097 10039 HEP 50213 b


  
1    AN ACT concerning transportation.
  
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
 
3represented in the General Assembly:
  
 
 
4    Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended  by changing 
5Section 12-610.2 as follows:
 
6    (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)
7    Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.
8    (a) As used in this Section:
9    "Electronic communication device" means an electronic 
10device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone, 
11personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer 
12while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or 
13sending an electronic message, but does not include a global 
14positioning system or navigation system or a device that is 
15physically or electronically integrated into the motor 
16vehicle.
17    "Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of 
18digital communication that is designed or intended to be 
19transmitted between physical devices.  "Electronic message" 
20includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text 
21message, an instant message, or a command or request to access 
22an Internet site.
23    (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway 
 
 
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1while using an electronic communication device to compose, 
2send, or read an electronic message.
3    (c) A violation of this Section is an offense against 
4traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
5    (d) This Section does not apply to:
6        (1) a law enforcement officer or  operator of an 
7    emergency vehicle while performing his or her official 
8    duties;
9        (2) a driver using an electronic communication device 
10    for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation 
11    and continued communication with emergency personnel 
12    during the emergency situation;
13        (3) a driver using an electronic communication device 
14    in hands-free or voice-activated mode;
15        (4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a 
16    message displayed on a permanently installed communication 
17    device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a 
18    screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches 
19    wide in size; 
20        (5) a driver using an electronic communication device 
21    while parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or
22        (6) a driver using an electronic communication device 
23    when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being 
24    obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle 
25    transmission in neutral or park; or .

26        (7) a driver using amateur radio receiving and 
 
 
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1    transmitting equipment while in possession of a current and 
2    valid amateur radio license issued by the Federal 
3    Communications Commission.
4(Source: P.A. 96-130, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)