What is the law of Illinois which deals with use of hand held phones by drivers?
Full Question:
Answer:
In Illinois, it is local option whether to ban hand held use of cell phone while driving. All the drivers younger than 19 and learner's permit holders younger than 19 are prohibited from using sell phone while driving. School bus drivers are also specifically banned from using the cell phone while driving. A school bus driver who violates this Section is guilty of a petty offense punishable by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $250. However, sending or receiving text messages while driving are not banned.
625 ILCS 5/12-813.1
(a)"School bus driver" means a person operating a school bus who has a valid school bus driver permit as required under Sections 6-104 and 6-106.1 of this Code [625 ILCS 5/6-104 and 625 ILCS 5/6-106.1].
"Cellular radio telecommunication device" means a device capable of sending or receiving telephone communications without an access line for service and which requires the operator to dial numbers manually. It does not, however, include citizens band radios or citizens band radio hybrids.
"Using a cellular radio telecommunication device" means talking or listening to or dialing a cellular radio telecommunication device.
To "operate" means to have the vehicle in motion while it contains one or more passengers.
(b) A school bus driver may not operate a school bus while using a cellular radio telecommunication device.
(c) This Section does not apply:
(1) To the use of a cellular radio telecommunication device for the purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation:
- (A) an emergency response operator;
- (B) a hospital;
- (C) a physician's office or health clinic;
- (D) an ambulance service;
- (E) a fire department, fire district, or fire company; or
- (F) a police department.
(2) To the use of a cellular radio telecommunication device to call for assistance in the event that there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem that impairs the safe operation of the bus.
(3) To the use of a cellular radio telecommunication device that has a digital two-way radio service capability owned and operated by the school district, when that device is being used as a digital two-way radio.
(4) When the school bus is parked.
(d) A school bus driver who violates this Section is guilty of a petty offense punishable by a fine of not less than $ 100 and not more than $ 250.
