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2015 SESSION

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SB 1279 Handheld personal communications devices; use while driving, penalty.

Introduced by: Jennifer T. Wexton | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Use of handheld personal communications devices while driving; penalty. Provides that, subject to certain exceptions, using a handheld personal communications device while operating a moving vehicle, unless such device is used in voice-operated or hands-free mode, is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $125 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense. If a person is using such a device at the same time he (i) violates any traffic offense punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony or (ii) causes an accident as the proximate result of his use of the device, he is guilty of reckless driving, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Currently, only texting while driving is a traffic infraction, subject to the same $125 and $250 fines. The bill also eliminates the additional mandatory minimum fine imposed upon a person convicted of reckless driving who was texting while driving at the time of the offense.


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