What is the new cell phone law in Illinois?

What is the new cell phone law in Illinois?

On July 1st, 2019, House Bill 4846 took effect in Illinois. Under the new texting and driving law (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2), a first-time offense of operating a vehicle while using a handheld mobile device will count as a “moving violation.” In other words, a cell phone ticket will appear on a motorist’s driving record.

Is hands-free calling legal in Illinois?

Beginning Monday, Illinois became a hands-free state. Law enforcement officers can now ticket drivers for texting, calling, navigating — anything that involves holding a cellphone, tablet or laptop. Violators face fines of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second, $125 for a third and $150 for any more offenses.

How much is a ticket for talking on the phone while driving in Illinois?

In Illinois, failure to abide by this rule can lead to legal implications. It is unlawful to use an “electronic communication device” while driving. A first offense will cost the driver a $75 fine, and the fine escalates with each subsequent offense.

How many points is a cell phone ticket in Illinois?

An electronic device violation is considered a “moving violation” and will add 20 to 30 demerit points to a motorist’s driving record. Three moving violations in a year can lead to license suspension.

Can you talk on the phone and drive Illinois?

Distracted Driving Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. The only time Illinois drivers can use a cell phone that is not hands free is: To report an emergency situation.

Is it legal to mount phone on dashboard in Illinois?

So these states allow mounting your phone anywhere on the windshield: Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Vermont.

What happens if you get caught using your phone while driving?

The Law. It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or similar device when driving, stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. You will receive a fine of £200 and 6 penalty points if you are caught using a handheld phone while driving. Points on your licence could result in higher insurance premiums.

Can you talk on the phone and drive in Illinois?

How old do you have to be to use a cell phone in Illinois?

1 Cellphone Law. Illinois’s cellphone law prohibits motorists who are under 19 years old from using cellphones while driving. 2 Electronic-Device Law. Illinois’s second distracted driving law prohibits all drivers from using an electronic communication device while operating a vehicle. 3 Other Possible Charges. …

Is it illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Illinois?

By Illinois law, distracted driving, including using your cell phone, or any other “electronic communication device” while driving a car is illegal in most cases. “Electronic communication devices” means cell phones, laptops, and other portable electronics. It is illegal to drive and: Watch videos or TV while driving.

When did the Illinois cell phone law go into effect?

For this reason, Illinois has adopted certain cell phone usage laws to help make the roads less dangerous. These laws went into effect January 1, 2014. While cell phones have made it easy for on the go Illinois residents to keep in touch with friends, family and coworkers, these devices can be a major distraction when driving a car.

What happens if you get pulled over in Illinois for using a cell phone?

In Illinois, violation of cell phone usage laws is considered a primary offense. What this means is that a law enforcement officer can pull a driver over simply because the officer witnessed the driver using a cell phone. Along with a citation, drivers committing this offense will have to pay a fine that starts at $75.

Is it illegal to talk on a cell phone and drive in Illinois?

Illinois’s cellphone law prohibits motorists who are under 19 years old from using cellphones while driving. The only exception is for emergency situations. The cellphone law also makes it illegal for all drivers-regardless of age-to use a cellphone while driving: through a school speed zone. Jun 26 2019

What are the cell phone laws?

All State-level cell phone use laws in the United States are of the primary enforcement type—meaning an officer may cite a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense having taken place—except in some cases involving newer (or “novice”), drivers. In the case of secondary enforcement,…

What is hands free cell phone law?

The Hands-Free Law (House Bill 673; Hands-Free Georgia Act), which went into effect on July 1, requires hands-free technology when drivers use cell phones and other electronic devices. Among other things, it is illegal for a driver to hold a phone in their hand or to use their body to support a phone.

What is cell phone law?

The new cell phone law prohibits all drivers from simply holding a cell phone or other electronic device (such as a GPS) in their hand while driving. If an officer sees a driver holding an electronic device, they can be pulled over and issued a ticket.