SB0068 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 02778 RJF 22786 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
SB0068

Introduced 1/15/2015, by Sen. Ira I. Silverstein

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/12-610.2

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Defines "mobile computing headset". Provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle while wearing a mobile computing headset. Provides limited exceptions to this prohibition for (1) law enforcement officers or emergency vehicle operators in the performance of their official duties; (2) drivers using a mobile computing headset to communicate with emergency personnel; and (3) drivers that are parked on the shoulder of a roadway.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

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; mobile computing headsets.

(a) As used in this 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, but does not include a mobile computing headset or a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.

"Mobile computing headset" means a computing device with a head mounted display that can project visual information into the field of vision of the wearer.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device or wearing a mobile computing headset.

(b-5) A person commits aggravated use of an electronic communication device or mobile computing headset when he or she violates subsection (b) and in committing the violation he or she was involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and the violation was a proximate cause of the injury or death.

(c) A second or subsequent 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 or mobile computing headset 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 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 or mobile computing headset while parked on the shoulder of a roadway;

(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;

(8) a driver using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;

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

(10) a driver using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a hand-held wireless telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, citizens band radio, or music player) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited by this Section.

(e) A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) commits a Class A misdemeanor if the violation resulted in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another. A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5) commits a Class 4 felony if the violation resulted in the death of another person.

(Source: P.A. 97-828, eff. 7-20-12; 98-506, eff. 1-1-14; 98-507, eff. 1-1-14; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)