SB 253 – Modifies the prohibition on certain use of electronic wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle

• Sponsor: Nasheed
• LR Number: 1143S.01I
• Committee: Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety
• Last Action: 1/12/2017 - Second Read and Referred S Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee
• Journal Page: S118
• Effective Date: August 28, 2017

Current Bill Summary

SB 253 - Currently, only drivers under the age of 22 and drivers of commercial motor vehicles are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones to send, read, or write text messages or electronic messages. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are further prohibited from using hand-held cell phones to make telephone calls. This act expands the ban on use of hand-held cell phones to all drivers for the purposes of sending, reading, or writing text messages or electronic messages and making telephone calls. Cell phones are permitted to be used by drivers in a hands-free or voice activated mode, which includes the use of a headset.

This act is identical to SB 1015 (2016), SB 3 (2015), and SB 840 (2014). This act is similar to SB 165 (2017), HB 284 (2017), HB 312 (2017), HB 378 (2017), SB 510 (2017), HB 546 (2017), SB 821 (2016), SB 274 (2015), HB 1964 (2014), HB 1542 (2016), HB 1544 (2016), HB 1671 (2016), HB 1377 (2016), HB 1423 (2016), HB 1986 (2016), SB 569 (2016).

ERIC VANDER WEERD