Several new laws go into effect in Illinois in 2010. It is common for the police to cut drivers a “Bit-of-Slack” for the first few weeks, but now that we are into the first week of April, expect strict enforcement of Illinois’s new driving laws.
Urban Insurance, wants to remind drivers that the new Illinois text messaging law goes into effect on January 1st, 2010. As a person that is addicted to my iPhone,
I can understand the temptation to check emails, and text Messages as soon as you hear the phone play it’s selected ring tone. But it is becoming more clear, that doing so, places you, your passengers and any other car on the road in a danger.
Public Act 096-0130
HB0071 Enrolled LRB096 02938 AJT 12952 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 adding
Section 12-610.2 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 new)
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 wireless telephone,
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, 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.
© A violation of this Section is an offense against
traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
(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-activated mode; or
(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.
Please contact us for a free car insurance quote or for any questions that you may have regarding your auto insurance, including SR22 filings. We are based in Chicago, Illinois and can provide auto insurance in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
