102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
SB3605

 

Introduced 1/19/2022, by Sen. Ram Villivalam

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
625 ILCS 5/12-610.2

    Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits an individual from using an electronic communication device to participate in a virtual meeting using the video function while operating a motor vehicle. Effective immediately.


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A BILL FOR

 

SB3605LRB102 25199 RAM 34465 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
5changing Section 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 hand-held wireless
11telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or a portable
12or mobile computer, but does not include a global positioning
13system or navigation system or a device that is physically or
14electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.
15    (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway
16while using an electronic communication device, including
17using an electronic communication device to watch or stream
18video or to participate in a virtual meeting using the video
19function.
20    (b-5) A person commits aggravated use of an electronic
21communication device when he or she violates subsection (b)
22and in committing the violation he or she is involved in a
23motor vehicle accident that results in great bodily harm,

 

 

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1permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another and
2the violation is a proximate cause of the injury or death.
3    (c) A violation of this Section is an offense against
4traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A
5person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of
6$75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a
7third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense,
8except that a person who violates subsection (b-5) shall be
9assessed a minimum fine of $1,000.
10    (d) This Section does not apply to:
11        (1) a law enforcement officer or operator of an
12    emergency vehicle while performing his or her official
13    duties;
14        (1.5) a first responder, including a volunteer first
15    responder, while operating his or her own personal motor
16    vehicle using an electronic communication device for the
17    sole purpose of receiving information about an emergency
18    situation while en route to performing his or her official
19    duties;
20        (2) a driver using an electronic communication device
21    for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation
22    and continued communication with emergency personnel
23    during the emergency situation;
24        (3) a driver using an electronic communication device
25    in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include
26    the use of a headset or participating in a virtual meeting

 

 

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1    using the audio function only;
2        (4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a
3    message displayed on a permanently installed communication
4    device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a
5    screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches
6    wide in size;
7        (5) a driver using an electronic communication device
8    while parked on the shoulder of a roadway;
9        (6) a driver using an electronic communication device
10    when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being
11    obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle
12    transmission in neutral or park;
13        (7) a driver using two-way or citizens band radio
14    services;
15        (8) a driver using two-way mobile radio transmitters
16    or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications
17    Commission in the amateur radio service;
18        (9) a driver using an electronic communication device
19    by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a
20    voice communication; or
21        (10) a driver using an electronic communication device
22    capable of performing multiple functions, other than a
23    hand-held wireless telephone or hand-held personal digital
24    assistant (for example, a fleet management system,
25    dispatching device, citizens band radio, or music player)
26    for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited by this

 

 

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1    Section.
2    (e) A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5)
3commits a Class A misdemeanor if the violation resulted in
4great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to
5another. A person convicted of violating subsection (b-5)
6commits a Class 4 felony if the violation resulted in the death
7of another person.
8(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 101-90, eff. 7-1-20;
9101-297, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)
 
10    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
11becoming law.