Federal rules that prohibit commercial truck drivers from. The only time illinois drivers can use a cell phone that is not hands free is. Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while. Each cdl has specific endorsements and restrictions applicable to the cmv operated. New handsfree law takes effect to decrease distracted driving. Mounting your cell phone is okay as long as it is mounted close to the driver so that you dont have to reach too far to get to it. Sergeant slaughter cop messes with wrong mclaren owner who knows the law. The new law permits drivers to use headsets and other handsfree devices, but bans driving while holding a cell phone in your hand.
Illinois s cellphone law prohibits motorists who are under 19 years old from using cellphones while driving. The state law would mirror local prohibitions already in effect in municipalities. Illinois increases possible fines for using phone while. However, truckers can still use handsfree cell phones while driving, and they can also use handheld devices if they pull over to the side of the road before beginning a conversation. Distracted, drowsy and aggressive driving illinois secretary of state. Approximately 4 million commercial drivers would be.
Department of transportation cracked down on truckers using cell phones and prohibited the use of handheld devices. This rulemaking restricts a cmv driver from holding a mobile device to make a call, or dialing by pressing more than a single button. The new illinois cell phone law itea illinois truck enforcement. These include police officers on duty, anyone reporting an emergency situation, and a person using a device in handsfree or voiceoperated mode. Additionally, states will suspend a drivers cdl after two or more serious traffic violations.
Under illinois law, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving. Drivers of all ages are banned from texting while driving as well as from the use of handheld devices, but those who are over the age of 19 may use a hands free device to make phones calls while driving. Illinois statutes were since amended to be in compliance with the motor carrier safety regulations law that prohibits texting and cell phone use by commercial motor vehicle drivers. When using a gps device, including devices that come with.
Illinois law defines texting as either entering text into or reading text from an. Mobile phone use while driving is allowed only for drivers over age 19, and only in handsfree mode. Cell phone use while driving is a moving violation in illinois. Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other. Handsfree devices or blue tooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older. Law enforcement officers can ticket drivers for texting, calling or navigating with a phone. Also, you should be able to initiate and end a call by pressing one button only. New illinois law bans cellphone use while driving news. A brand new law in chicago makes it illegal to hold and use a cell phone while driving.
Recent laws may not yet be included in the ilcs database, but they are found on this site as public acts soon after they become law. Arizona school bus drivers and child care providers may not use headphones while driving. Theres no catchphrase associated with the cellphone driving ban, but give safety. Using a cell phone for texting or talking while operating a commercial vehicle is illegal. Illinois cell phone law allows certain people to use electronic communication devices, even while driving. It helps in the buying and selling of goods and services, which are often transported to another state or country.
While no state bans all cellphone use for all drivers, at, we believe you should never use your phone while operating a vehicle. Distracted, drowsy and aggressive driving driver services. Fines, penalties, even the disqualification of your cdl could be the result of driving while using a mobile phone source. Illinois drivers who cause an accident resulting in an injury of another person because. These are the current illinois distracted driving laws. While the use of a cell phone, including texting while driving, is prohibited, illinois law does allow drivers to make calls when a phone is in handsfree mode, including while using a. The current law states, a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device. Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law. However, a cdl can also be revoked for certain criminal convictions and rule violations. Illinois boosts penalty for distracted drivers safety automotive fleet.
Truck driver turns the tables on illinois state trooper. The new handsfree driving law comes after illinois lawmakers already banned texting while driving. Is it legal to use a cell phone while driving in indiana. Illinois distracted driving law currently prohibits any use of a handheld device. Colorado illegal except when used in one ear for cell phone calls. It is always best if a driver can avoid any device usage while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
Learn about cell phone laws for truck drivers, the history of cell phone policy for cdl drivers, whether there is a fine for texting while driving in a commercial vehicle, fmcsa distracted driving avoidance tips and cdl cell phone law effectiveness. If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident caused by a driver who was talking on a cell phone or texting behind the wheel, you may be eligible to seek compensation for injuries and other financial losses sustained in the crash. Illinois cdl use electronic device defense lawyer lombard truck. Cell phone policy for truck drivers max meyers law pllc. Feds ban cell phone use by some bus drivers safety. Illinois cell phone, car seat, seat belt, and child safety laws. Does cell phone use while driving cause traffic crashes. Distracted driving is one of the main factors related to driver errors that can cause serious car accidents. Cell phone use prohibited while driving illinois criminal and dui. Troopers in trucks curb distracted driving in illinois. On july 1st, 2019, house bill 4846 took effect in illinois. Commercial truck drivers have been required to use handsfree. A driver who zooms down the road with one hand on the wheel and the other propping a cellphone against an ear soon could find that choice a costly one a. Illinois has some pretty strict laws when it comes to cell phones, texting, and driving.
There are a lot of things that a commercial vehicle driver can do that will get you in trouble but using your cell phone to talk or text while driving is one of the most obvious. Using cell phones while driving illinois legal aid online. Pennsylvanias distracted driving laws cover all usage. For instance, engaging in any type of cell phone use while driving in il, increases a drivers chances of getting into an accident by 400 percent. Illinois, minnesota ban holding cell phones while driving.
This new law will restrict the use of cell phones in vehicles beyond that in place from last year. Typically, an illinois cdl holder must notify his employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic ticket, and the sos within 30 days of receiving an outofstate traffic ticket. Illinois distracted driving laws prohibit drivers from using cell phones for calling or texting while driving. It is imperative that all drivers operating a vehicle in the state of illinois be aware of current laws governing cell phone use while driving. Our chicago, il cell phone ticket defense lawyers will protect your rights. Previously, illinois law prohibited texting while driving for all vehicles, but cell phones were permitted. Over 600,000 drivers nationwide are using their cellphone at any given. Recently, a new illinois law further addresses distracted driving. At the end of 2011, the federal motor carrier safety administration created new rules governing the use of cell phones by drivers of commercial. Interstate truck drivers face cellphone ban on jan. Illinois s commercial driver s license laws the operation of a commercial motor vehicle cmv in illinois requires a commercial driver s license cdl. Illinois law enforcement officers consider driving while intoxicated to be a serious criminal offense. Illinois bans handheld cell phone use for all drivers. Cell phone driving laws in illinois appelman law llc.
Dot rule prohibits use of cell phones by commercial. The final rule, which officially prohibits interstate truck drivers from using cell phones during the operation of their vehicles, comes from both the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa and the pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration phmsa divisions and is the latest attempt by the dot to end distracted driving. Mobile or cell phone use for any purpose while driving is prohibited in the state of illinois. Illinois cell phone ban for truck drivers in effect. Illinois targets distracted driving with handsfree phone law. Under the new texting and driving law, a firsttime offense of operating a vehicle while using a handheld mobile device will count as a moving violation. Truck drivers texting while driving caught on tape youtube. In order to keep the roads safer for all illinois drivers, illinois has enacted laws against cell phone usage while driving. Florida illegal except when used in one ear for cell phone calls.
The illinois rules of the road fully explains requirements, rules, and regulations for drivers younger than 21 years old. Review the new illinois laws that will take effect jan. Cell phone texting while driving violations the davis law group. Research shows that driving while using a cell phone can pose a serious cognitive distraction and degrade driver performance. A new fmcsa rule restricts the use of all handheld mobile devices by drivers of commercial motor vehicles cmvs. Chicago talking on phone while driving lawyers malman law. Illinois distracted driving laws illinois car laws. Rick byrd of charlotte, nc, talks on the phone while pulled over at a truck stop at interstate 70 and illinois 203 friday dec.
Cell phone use prohibited while driving chicago traffic. In other words, a cell phone ticket will appear on a motorists. I dont want you to end up under a semitruck with your head cut off or. Illinois cellphone laws for drivers restrict the use of handheld cellphones when driving in construction zones and for certain drivers, like school bus drivers. The new state law does exempt the use of gps and other hands. If you were cited for a cell phone ticket in illinois, but you believe that you are covered by one of the states exceptions, please call our law firm. Our state is taking distracted driving more seriously. If you make the choice to do so, be aware of the laws in. Illinois cell phone law traffic ticket laws chicago, il. This summer, drivers in illinois will face stiffer penalties for texting behind the wheel. Illinois next year will increase the penalties for using an electronic device while behind the wheel in the states latest effort to crackdown on distracted driving.
A driver can use a cell phone while driving in the following situations. The new law in illinois requiring cell phone use to be handsfree while driving is not just for cell phone use. New illinois cellphone law may be better than most, study suggests. Talking on the phone while driving is illegal in illinois, at least if you are using a. Whether you are just passing through the land of lincoln or are a permanent resident, here is what you need to know to abide by illinois cell phone laws. Distracted driving illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Chicago talking on bluetooth while driving attorneys malman law. Wear headphones while driving, unless it is a singlesided headset for a cell phone. Illinois new cellphone ban beginning january 1, 2014, illinois drivers may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device, specifically a cell phone. And at the same time, we want to let the victims of cell phone injury know that. Illinois and chicago ordinances, laws, legislation on use of cell phones.
It is the responsibility of every driver to help keep roads within the state of illinois as safe as possible. State becomes handsfree zone this monday, illinois. The cellphone law also makes it illegal for all driversregardless of ageto use a cellphone while driving. The threeminute faces videos feature people from across the country whose lives have been forever changed because of texting or cell phone use behind the wheel. Interstate commerce is an integral part of illinois. According to the illinois department of transportation, almost 6,000 car crashes in illinois have occurred from 2008 to 2012 in which some form of driver distraction involving a cell phone was cited by the police. Nonetheless, supporters argue that illinois new law is a step in the right.
Only drivers 19 years old and over are permitted to use a handsfree device while operating a vehicle. New illinois distracted driving law effective july 2019. Cell phone policy for cdl drivers explained cdl training. Its considered a moving violation even if the vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal. In the past, you would be able to drive your car and use your cell phone without any sort of aid. View the 2008 distracted driving task force final report illinois. As we have discovered, a common cause of vehicle accidents is driver distraction. The following states have laws regarding headphones, but do not ban them outright. Driver cellphone ban arrives in illinois chicago tribune. It is important to know and understand how the relatively new illinois law on banning cell phones applies to you. New chicago law makes illegal holding a cell phone while. All drivers of all ages are banned from texting and using a cell phone while driving. Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Will illinois join the states that prohibit drivers from talking on cell phones and.
Updating the database of the illinois compiled statutes ilcs is an ongoing process. Whether a driver is simply talking on the phone or attempting the difficult maneuver of texting while driving, a cell phone can take attention away from driving in a detrimental way. Proving a mobile phone caused accident truck drivers who text while driving are 23. The daily herald article of august 22, 2018 why illinois is making penalties for texting while driving tougher discusses the new law and various statistics regarding driver distraction. Illinois cell phone law while driving trafficspeeding. Under the new laws, anyone seen holding their phone while driving can be pulled over. In illinois, the use of a wireless telephone in a motor vehicle is governed by illinois law 625 ilcs 512610.
This type of activity improves the economic competitiveness of illinois industries in the global marketplace. In illinois, texting while driving has been barred for nearly five years, and a newly adopted measure makes it illegal to use a handheld cellphone for almost any. When a driver is on the shoulder of the road and parked. New law prohibits use of handheld devices while driving. Mobile or cell phone use for any purpose while driving is prohibited in the. Transportation secretary ray lahood has launched faces of distracted driving, an online web series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving. Two years ago, i was involved in a trucking accident involving a 14wheeler truck. A driver using a cell phone which has a single button to start or stop a call.
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