SB 532 - Currently, drivers under the age of 22 are prohibited from using electronic wireless communication devices to send text messages or electronic messages while driving. This act extends the prohibition to drivers of all ages. Operators of noncommercial motor vehicles may still use "hands-free" electronic wireless communication devices, as defined in the act. This act exempts emergency vehicles and other motor vehicles responding in a commercial capacity to another vehicle's request for roadside assistance from the prohibition against operators using electronic wireless communication devices. This act also allows for use of an electronic wireless communication device to contact emergency services or relay information between for-hire operators and their dispatchers. 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 HB 1474 (2020), HB 1531 (2020), HB 1879 (2020), HB 1265 (2020), HB 1290 (2020), HB 1633 (2020), HB 1674 (2020), SB 15 (2019), SB 749 (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