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Update - July 1st, 2009 New Text Messaging Law
The new Utah text messaging law modifies the current Motor Vehicles Code by adding a careless driving violation to an individual that: "Uses A Handheld Wireless Communication Device For Text Messaging or Electronic Mail Communication While Operating a Moving Motor Vehicle" This description was provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures website. "Prohibits a person from using a wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic mail communication while operating a motor vehicle, provides exceptions to the wireless communication device prohibition, provides that it is an infraction for violating the wireless communication device prohibition, provides that a violation of this section is not a reportable violation and points may not be assessed against a person for the violation."
Utah Driving and Hands-Free Cell Phone LegislationUtah does have a hands-free driving law however, the law is found under the definition of "Careless driving" and includes other behaviors that could cause driver distraction. Utah's Senate Bill 17 (SB17) specifically defines "Careless driving" as being "distracted" by "using a wireless telephone or other electronic device:". It is legal to use a cell-phone while you are driving only if the driver is using a device with hands-free " talking and listening features" while they are operating the motor vehicle. This careless driving definition includes other common reasons for driver distraction that also constitute careless driving. So in addition to cell-phone use or other electronic devices the bill also specifies eating, drinking or smoking. You can also be sited for physically attending to a passenger, searching for an item in a vehicle and attending to personal hygiene or grooming. This annotates a previous law from 1959 that addresses being distracted by one or more activities not related to the operation of a motor vehicle. More Information Utah's Hands-Free Driving Law
Here is the State of Utah's government website that has similar information regarding Senate Bill 17 and the cell-phone driving law. State Website- Information on Utah's Cell-Phone Driving Law Other Utah Information on this WebsiteUtah Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines Utah Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements
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