Bill No.: SF0020                  Drafter:  JDA

LSO No.:  10LSO-0102              Effective Date:  7/1/2010

Enrolled Act No.:  SEA0045

Chapter No.:

Prime Sponsor:     Senator Esquibel, F.

Catch Title:       Text-based communications prohibited while driving.

Subject:  Motor vehicles – handheld electronic wireless communication devices.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Prohibits the use of a handheld electronic wireless communication device to send or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway.

· Provides exceptions to the prohibition for vehicles that are lawfully parked, for contacting emergency response vehicles and for a person operating an emergency response vehicle in the performance of his official duties.

· Provides that entering a number or word to make or receive a telephone call or using hands free technology is not a violation of the prohibition.

· Provides that a violation of the section is punishable by a fine not to exceed seventy-five dollars.