Illinois House Bill Aims to Ban Hand-Held Cellphones

This may actually surprise some people, but driving while talking on a cellphone in Illinois is not illegal...at least not yet. Sure talking on a cellphone without a "hands-free device" is illegal in all construction and school zones. But in general there is no state-wide ban on cell phone use while driving.

That may soon change if some lawmakers in Springfield get their way. After a recommendation last December from the National Transportation Safety Board that all states ban cell phone use in cars, some states have been taking a look at their driving laws. Illinois' response to the recommendation came earlier this month when Rep. John D'Amico introduced HB 3972. While the bill is still being amended, the proposed penalty would be considered a moving violation with $75 fine for the first offense.

While this seems like a huge sweeping law, the ban actually seems quite narrow when you consider how many exceptions it contain. Like the Chicago cell ban, the law creates an exception phones that are in a "hands free or voice operated mode" although unlike the Chicago ban, the law does not require the use of a headset. 

Other exceptions include:

1. Law enforcement officers in performance of their duties.
2. Drivers reporting emergency situations
3. Commercial driving equipment
4. Parked or stopped drivers
5. Drivers using mobile phones or other devices for things other than calling or sending text message (Radio, music player)

The exceptions are pretty broad. But such vast exceptions beg the questions, is this law really necessary? If people can still operate an amateur radio, truck equipment, GPS, or iPod while driving, then why should holding the phone to their ear be banned?  

This law also comes well after the introduction of technologies like Siri, the iPhone digital assistant. With Siri, drivers can operate their phone with their voice commands. Will technology eventually solve the problems that we associate with talking on a cell phone while driving? Doubtfully.

So, Rockford drivers, be careful. That call home, could soon cost you big.

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