96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
SB0273


 
Introduced 2/6/2009, by Sen. Michael W. Frerichs - Pamela J. Althoff
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 		













625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 new










    Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that 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. Provides that a  violation is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.  Sets forth exceptions.
















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A BILL FOR









 











SB0273

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    AN ACT concerning transportation.

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


 
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    Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended  by adding 
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Section 12-610.2 as follows:
 
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    (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2  new)
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    Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.
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    (a) As used in this Section:
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    "Electronic communication device" means an electronic 
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device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone, 
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personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer 
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while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or 
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sending an electronic message, but does not include a global 
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positioning system or navigation system when the system is used 
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exclusively for navigation purposes.
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    "Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of 
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digital communication that is designed or intended to be 
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transmitted between physical devices.  "Electronic message" 
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includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text 
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message, an instant message, or a command or request to access 
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an Internet site.
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    (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway 
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while using an electronic communication device to compose, 
 


 






SB0273
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send, or read an electronic message.
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    (c) A violation of this Section is an offense against 
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traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
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    (d) This Section does not apply to:
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        (1) a law enforcement officer or  operator of an 
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    emergency vehicle while performing his or her official 
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    duties;
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        (2) a driver using an electronic communication device 
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    for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation 
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    and continued communication with emergency personnel 
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    during the emergency situation; or
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        (3) a driver using an electronic communication device 
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    solely in voice-activated mode.