 Senate Bill 2488 prohibits cellphone use in construction or maintenance
speed zones, regardless of the speed limit in those zones. Motorists can use
cellphones in voice-operated mode, which includes the use of a headset, or
cellphones used with single-button activation.Prior to the passage of this
law, the speed limit in a work zone had to be lower than the posted speed limit;
otherwise, it was not actually considered a work zone by the definition in
statute, and the higher ticket did not apply. Voice-activated use of a cellphone
was permitted prior to this change.
House Bill 5101 prohibits texting or using a hand-held cellphone
while driving a commercial motor vehicle and makes this a serious traffic
violation. Previously, Illinois law prohibited texting while driving for all
vehicles, but cellphones were permitted. Illinois statutes were since amended to
be in compliance with the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations law that prohibits
texting and cellphone use by commercial motor vehicle drivers.
A commercial motor vehicle is a vehicle used in commerce and weighing 26,001
pounds or more (or a lesser weight if determined by the federal government or
secretary of state); or a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more people; or a
vehicle transporting hazardous materials. Exceptions are RVs for personal use,
military vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles and other emergency response
vehicles.
"People are tragically injured and killed in work zones and by commercial
motor vehicles due to distracted driving. Cellphone distractions have been
proven to be as dangerous as drinking and driving," said Illinois Transportation
Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "These laws will stiffen distracted driving laws and
save lives."
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Senate Bill 3409 allows the driver of a vehicle involved
in a motor vehicle crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle to
move the vehicle off the highway to the nearest safe location. The
locations for the driver to consider are an exit ramp shoulder, a
frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street or other locations
that will not obstruct traffic. The law states the driver should
remain at that location until the requirements are fulfilled
concerning the duty to give information and render aid.
The previous statute involving moving a vehicle following a crash
stated: "Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic
more than is necessary." Senate Bill 3409 clarifies the language and
explains that moving your vehicle to safety will not violate the
statute.
"The decisions made immediately following a crash are critical,"
Schneider said. "This law will reduce the chances of further injury
and secondary crashes by allowing able vehicles to clear the roadway
following a crash."
The Illinois State Police and nearly 300 law enforcement agencies
statewide began enforcing these new laws on Jan. 1, along with
current laws on impaired driving and seat belts.
For more information about IDOT's traffic safety programs, visit
http://www.trafficsafety.illinois.gov/.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Transportation file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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