New Law Bans Cell Phone Use in School Speed Zones
Cell Usage and Texting Illegal While Driving
by Cathy Walter
January 12, 2010
Change to Cell Phone Use in School Speed Zones
Texting Is Illegal While Driving Anywhere in Illinois
Richard Myers, Regional Superintendent of Schools, and Jim Carlson, Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools, would like to remind the residents of LaSalle County of new state legislation designed to reduce crashes and fatalities caused by distracted driving.
Public Act 96-0131 went into effect January 1, 2010. The law prohibits any driver, regardless of age, from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone or construction zone. Exceptions include using a phone in voice-activated mode, emergency use, use by construction workers engaged in highway construction or maintenance, and law enforcement personnel or emergency vehicle operators performing official duties.
Public Act 96-0130, also effective January 1, 2010, and makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle anywhere while using an electronic communication device to compose, send or read text messages, instant messages, and e-mail on a cell phone or use the internet. Personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers are also banned.
According to Secretary of State Jesse White, distracted driving has become a serious problem in both our nation and our state. These laws are a part of an effort to reduce the tragic consequences of distracted driving.
The LaSalle County Regional Office of Education encourages all motorists to be mindful of these new laws as they drive. Additional information may be found at http://www.dot.state.il.us/safety.html .
