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2009 SESSION

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HB 1876 Wireless telecommunications devices; prohibits use of text messaging while driving certain vehicle.

Introduced by: John A. Cosgrove | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Text messaging and emailing while driving.  Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communications device to manually enter multiple letters or text or to read a text message. This bill provides exemptions for using global positioning systems (GPS), reading caller identification information, and using a wireless telecommunications device to report an emergency. The provisions of this bill do not apply to operators of emergency vehicles.  This bill incorporates HB 1615 and HB 2380.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Text messaging and emailing while driving.  Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle, on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communications device to manually enter multiple letters or text or to read a text message. This bill provides exemptions for the use of global positioning systems (GPS) and using a wireless telecommunications device to report an emergency. The provisions of this bill do not apply to operators of emergency vehicles.  This bill incorporates HB 1615 and HB 2380.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Text messaging and emailing while driving.  Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any wireless telecommunications device for the purpose of composing or sending any text message or email. This bill provides exemptions for the use of global positioning systems (GPS) and using a wireless telecommunications device to report an emergency. The provisions of this bill do not apply to operators of emergency vehicles.