Illinois Legislators Introduce Hand-held Device Ban for Drivers
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In two similar bills introduced on Jan. 10 in the Illinois General Assembly, the change to the state’s vehicle code would restrict cell phone use while driving to hands-free only.
On Jan. 10 in the Illinois General Assembly, two state representatives introduced similar legislation that would change the state’s vehicle code to restrict electronic device use to hands-free only while driving for all drivers. Currently, texting while driving is illegal in the state.
Reps. Karen May and John D’Amico introduced the two bills. D’Amico’s bill, now co-sponsored by Rep. David Harris, was assigned to the transportation committee on Jan. 24. The bill, HB-3972, defines an electronic device as a “wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer, but does not include a global position system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.”
The law does not apply to law enforcement officers or emergency vehicle operators; in an emergency to report a situation; or when the vehicle is stopped in traffic and the vehicle is in neutral or park. (To see the bill’s most current status and working text, click here.)
SPRINGFIELD, IL - According to The Daily Northwestern, May introduced hand-held electronic device legislation two years ago, but it didn’t pass. Since then, many Illinois municipalities have already made hand-held electronic device use illegal while driving.
May told the The Daily Northwestern that this legislation is a step toward banning all use of cell phones, including hands free. A city councilmember of Evanston, Ill., for example, said she plans to introduce a city ordinance that would ban all use of cell phones while driving, which would include Bluetooth devices.
For a blog on the discussion of full bans on electronic-devices, click here.
Drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle are already restricted from using an electronic device while driving after a federal ban became effective Jan. 1. Click here for an article on the penalties, to see a PDF of the final rule announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and for a feature on how small businesses can create effective cell phone policies.
For the full article from The Daily Northwestern, click on the URL: http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/city/illinois-lawmakers-propose-statewide-ban-on-phones-while-driving-1.2689507#.TyGKt1xSS3E
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →