Senate Bill 1027 states that no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication. A person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text message if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in a wireless telecommunication device for the purpose of making a telephone call.
Exemptions are any law enforcement officer, firefighter, or operator of an authorized emergency vehicle while engaged in the actual performance of official duties;
An operator of a moving motor vehicle using a wireless telecommunication device to:
A. report illegal activity,
B. summon medical or other emergency help,
C. prevent injury to a person or property,
D. relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle, or
E. navigate using a global positioning system; or
A physician or other health care provider using a wireless telecommunication device to communicate with a hospital, health clinic or the office of the physician, or to otherwise provide for the health care of an individual or medical emergency through a text-based communication.
The first violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $175.00. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.
Any violation of this law will constitute a moving violation. A law enforcement officer shall enforce the provisions of this section only as a secondary action and shall not stop a motor vehicle solely for failure to comply with this section.
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