"Electronic Communication Device” Traffic Law

On 1/1/14 there was a change in the Illinois law involving the use of hand-held “electronic communication devices”. (The affected statute is 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2.)

While the change includes several items that are considered to be an “electronic communication device”, cell phones primarily come to mind.

Here’s the exact wording of the main section… “A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device.”

The law does contain many exceptions including:

• A driver using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation.
• A driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-operated mode, which may include the use of a headset. (Current Illinois law states that the cell phone headset must be single sided – i.e. one ear only.)
• A driver using an electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway.
• A driver using an electronic communication device when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.
• A driver using an electronic communication device by pressing a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication.

Something else to keep in mind.... The law also includes penalties on drivers whose use of an electronic device while driving causes an accident that causes serious injury or death.
 
What is summarized here is not the entire law. There are more exceptions and more specifics on the ones mentioned above. We strongly encourage every driver to take a few minutes to read the law. It’s not long or complicated.

Feel free to give us call if you have any questions – (847) 247-4889.