New Illinois Law on Text Messaging

The Illinois Text Messaging Ban
According to the new law:
“A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic
communication device to compose, send or read an electronic message.”
The law defines an electronic message as:
“Electronic message” includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an
instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.”
ON JANUARY 1, 2010, IT WILL BE ILLEGAL (in the State of Illinois) to
• Send or read a text message while your car is in traffic, unless fully stopped due
to a blocked roadway (such as a train crossing). A stop sign or stop light does
NOT waive this restriction. You must place the car in park or neutral gear, or pull
over to the side of the road and stop.
• Send or read an email message while your car is in traffic, unless fully stopped
due to a blocked roadway (such as a train crossing). A stop sign or stop light
does NOT waive this restriction. You must place the car in park or neutral gear
or pull over to the side of the road and stop.
• Use a cell phone in a SCHOOL or CONSTRUCTION zone without the use of a
hands-free device. In other words, you cannot HOLD the cell phone while using
it. You must use a device (such as a Bluetooth headset or ear bud) which allows
you to keep both hands on the wheel. To use such a device you must have a
compatible phone and must purchase and install the hands-free device itself.
Contact your cellular provider for specific information about products and
services available for your cell phone.
Fines for violation of these laws will start at $75.00, with higher fines expected for the
most serious infractions. Obviously, no fine can ever compensate for injuries or loss of
life.
The law does NOT apply to use of a navigation device, such as a GPS system. You
can get more information on Illinois Driving Laws.