SB 749 - Currently, drivers under the age of 22 are prohibited from using electronic communications devices to send text messages or electronic messages while driving. This act extends the prohibition to drivers of all ages. This act exempts motor vehicles responding in a commercial capacity to another vehicle's request for roadside assistance from the prohibition against commercial motor vehicle operators using hand-held mobile telephones and sending text or electronic messages. This act also allows for use of a hand-held electronic wireless communication device to contact emergency services. Individuals under the age of 18 or who have an intermediate license or instruction permit are prohibited from using the devices for any purpose other than to contact emergency services.
A violation of the prohibition against using electronic communication devices while driving shall be an infraction punishable by a $50 fine, or by a $100 if in a school zone or in a work zone when workers are present. Violations committed while operating a commercial vehicle shall constitute a serious traffic violation for purposes of commercial motor vehicle license suspensions.
This act is similar to SB 755 (2018), SB 784 (2018), SB 165 (2017), SB 253 (2017), HB 284 (2017), HB 312 (2017), HB 378 (2017), SB 510 (2017), and HB 546 (2017).
ERIC VANDER WEERD