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Illinois Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws

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The Illinois Text Messaging Ban

The new Illinois text messaging law goes into effect on January 1st, 2010. 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"

And goes on to define 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."

There are exceptions however including emergencies, public safety officials and the following;

"A driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-activated mode"

Fines for the new offense begin at $75

To read the text of the new law please read Public Act 096-0130

No Cell Phones in a School Zone Law

Another law that will take effect on January 1st, 2010 is Senate Bill 72 titled "Vehicular Phone Use in School Zones". According to the new law:

"A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone"

There are exceptions for a person engaged in a highway construction or maintenance, emergencies and when the phone is in voice-activated mode.

To read the text of the new law please read Public Act 096-0131

Summary of New Driving Law (IDOT)

"On August 6, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law House Bill 71 and House Bill 72. The new laws ban motorists from sending text messages while driving in Illinois, and make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone. In addition, it will become illegal to compose, send or read text messages, instant messages and e-mail on a cell phone or surf the internet while driving. The ban also includes personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers, but does not include global positioning systems (GPS) or navigation systems."

Illinois Driving and Cell-Phone Legislation

The State of Illinois has regulations regarding the use of cellular phones while driving. Illinois is one of six states that allow localities to determine their own laws regarding cellular phone use while driving. Chicago is one of the cities that has chosen to enact hands free legislation and make driving while using a cellular device illegal.

The State of Illinois as a whole does address driving and cell-phone use by minors and by operators of a school bus. Starting January 1st, 2008 SB140 prohibits drivers under the age of 19, from using a cellular device or any type of hand-held communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Like many cell-phone laws across the United States, there are exceptions for emergency situations.The other cell phone law in Illinois pertains to school bus drivers. The driving law prohibits the use of a cell phone by a school bus driver while the bus is transporting children. Like the teen law above there are exceptions for emergency situations. If a school bus driver is caught using a cell-phone while driving children to or from school, the driver will face a fine up to $250.

More Information Regarding the Illinois Cell-Phone Driving Laws

If you are interested in visiting a government website with information regarding the State of Illinois Cell-phone laws, please proceed to the links listed below.

Information on the Illinois Cell Phone Driving Law For Minors

Information on the Illinois Cell Phone Driving Law for School Bus Drivers