HB3972ham001 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rep. John D'Amico

Filed: 2/3/2012

09700HB3972ham001 LRB097 15981 HEP 65368 a

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 3972

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 3972 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Section 12-610.2 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)

Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.

(a) As used in this Section, Section: "Electronic communication device" means an electronic device, including but not limited to a hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.

"Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. "Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message.

(c) A violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense.

(d) This Section does not apply to:

(1) a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties;

(2) a driver using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation;

(3) a driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-operated voice-activated mode, which may include the use of a headset;

(4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size;

(5) a driver using an electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or

(6) a driver using an electronic communication device when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park; .

(7) a driver using two-way or citizens band radio services or two-way mobile radio transmitter or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;

(8) a driver using an electronic communication device by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; or

(9) a driver using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, smart phone, citizens band radio, or music player) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited by this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-130, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)".