Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB1299

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Creates the offenses of driving with a screen device operating, a Class 1, 3, or 4 felony or a Class A misdemeanor depending on specified circumstances, and unlawful installation of television, monitor, or similar device, a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that a person commits the offense of driving with a screen device operating when the person is driving a motor vehicle that has a television, video monitor, portable computer, or any other similar means operating that is capable of providing a visual display in full view of a driver in a normal driving position while the motor vehicle is in motion. Provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful installation of television, monitor, or similar device if the person installs or alters a television, video monitor, portable computer, or any other similar means capable of providing a visual display that is in full view of a driver of a motor vehicle in a normal driving position while the motor vehicle is in motion. Provides several exceptions and an affirmative defense. Renames a "cellular radio telecommunication device" as a "mobile communication device", and modifies the definitions of a "mobile communication device" and "using a mobile communication device" to prohibit text messaging and other similar uses of mobile communication devices (instead of prohibiting just talking, listening to, and dialing telephonic communications) for purposes of expanding a provision prohibiting the use of mobile communication devices by school bus drivers. Repeals a provision relating to the use of video devices while driving. Effective immediately.

Provides that wireless telephones (rather than portable telephones) or electronic communication devices (rather than personal data assistants) being used for verbal communication (rather than being used for verbal communication or displaying caller identification information) is an exception to the offense of driving with a screen device operating.

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