The McHenry County Sheriff's Office provides information on the two new laws that take effect on January 1, 2014. Cell Phone Use is to be Hands Free.
House Bill 1247 was passed, which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle on any road in Illinois while using a mobile phone or other Electronic Communication Device (ECD).
If cited under state law, the fine for first-time offenders is $75, for every subsequent offense, the fee will increase by $25 and have a maximum fine of $150.
Exceptions:
Using an ECD for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation,
Using an ECD in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset;
Using of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size;
Using an ECD while parked on the shoulder of a roadway;
Using an ECD when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park;
Using two-way or citizens band radio services;
Using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;
Using an ECD by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication;
Using an ECD capable of performing multiple functions, other than a hand-held wireless telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, citizens band radio, or music player).
Law Enforcement or Operator of Emergency Vehicle while performing his/ her official duties.
House Bill 2585 was passed, which increases the penalties that can be imposed on drivers whose use of an electronic device while driving causes an accident. If the accident causes great bodily harm, the driver can be sentenced to up to one year in prison, and a fatal accident can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.
There is still no change to: 625 ILCS 5/12.610.1
Cell phone/wireless use while driving, including hands-free, is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency.
