Public Act 098-0506 HB1247 Enrolled LRB098 06640 MLW 36683 b AN ACT concerning transportation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois , represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Section 12-610.2 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2) Sec. 12-610.2. Electronic communication devices.
(a) As used in this Section:
"Electronic communication device" means an electronic device, including but not limited to a hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.
"Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. "Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, a digital photograph, a video, or a command or request to access an Internet site.
(b) 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.
(c) A second or subsequent violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles. A person who violates this Section shall be fined a maximum of $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense.
(d) This Section does not apply to:
(1) a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties;
(2) a driver using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation;
(3) a driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset;
(4) a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size;
(5) a driver using an electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or
(6) a driver using an electronic communication device when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park; .
(7) a driver using two-way or citizens band radio services;
(8) a driver using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers for licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service;

(9) a driver using an electronic communication device by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication; or
(10) a driver using an electronic communication device capable of performing multiple functions, other than a hand-held wireless telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant (for example, a fleet management system, dispatching device, citizens band radio, or music player) for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited by this Section. (Source: P.A. 96-130, eff. 1-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10; 97-828, eff. 7-20-12.) Effective Date: 1/1/2