New Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Law Effective June 10
The Legislature also passed a new cell phone law this year. The law tightens restrictions on the use of cell phones and wireless devices while driving, and is effective June 10. The changes include:
· Instruction Permits:
The holder of an instruction permit or an intermediate license may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device (texting) while driving a motor vehicle. The only exceptions are if the device is being used to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or to prevent injury to a person or property.
· All Drivers:
All other drivers must use a hands-free device (speaker phone, headset, or earpiece). Violations are upgraded to a primary action. Texting is illegal, except if when dialing or entering a name to make a phone call.
Because the offense is now primary, law enforcement can pull over and cite drives for talking or texting without a hands-free device as the only (or primary) offense. Previously, violations could only pursued as secondary actions – officers could only cite drivers who were pulled over for a different offense first.
Infractions subject drivers to a $124 fine, but are not a part of a driver’s permanent record and are not reported to insurance companies