What happens if you get caught texting and driving in Illinois?

What happens if you get caught texting and driving in Illinois?

On July 1st, 2019, House Bill 4846 took effect in Illinois. Under the new texting and driving law (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2), a first-time offense of operating a vehicle while using a handheld mobile device will count as a “moving violation.” In other words, a cell phone ticket will appear on a motorist’s driving record.

How much is a ticket for using your phone while driving in Illinois?

In Illinois, a first cell phone driving offense results in a $75 ticket; a second offense is $100; a third offense is $125; and a fourth offense is $150.

What are the texting laws in Illinois?

Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Blue Tooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older. Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous.

When did texting and driving become illegal in Illinois?

2010
Timeline of distracted driving laws Illinois first banned texting while driving back in 2010. Then, in 2014, drivers were required to use a hands-free device if they wanted to talk on their cell phones while driving.

What could happen when you text and drive?

The shocking truth is that texting while driving increases the chances of crashing by over 23 times normal driving. People have a longer response time when they text and drive. On average, an accident happens within two to three seconds when the driver is texting.

Can you talk on the phone while driving in Illinois?

How many points is a cell phone ticket in Illinois?

Traffic Violation Points An electronic device violation is considered a “moving violation” and will add 20 to 30 demerit points to a motorist’s driving record.

Can you text at a red light in Illinois?

Is it Legal to Text at a Red Light? It is illegal to text or talk on the phone while stopped at a red light or a stop sign. Even though you are stopped, you are still driving and need to remain in control of your vehicle.

How many accidents are caused by texting and driving in 2019?

General Cell Phone Statistics The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

Can you lose your license for texting and driving in Illinois?

If a person commits three or more moving violations in a single year, their driver’s license may be suspended. Fines for texting while driving or other prohibited uses of electronic devices are $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for a fourth or subsequent offense.

What are the texting while driving laws in Illinois?

As part of the texting while driving laws in Illinois, drivers may only use a mobile device from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle if they do so using an acceptable form of hands-free technology. However, only drivers who are 19 years of age or older may use a hands-free device to talk on the phone.

What are the laws for distracted driving in Illinois?

Distracted Driving Laws in Illinois. To reduce instances of distracting driving in Illinois, the state’s General Assembly prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices whenever an automobile is in motion.

Is texting and driving illegal in New York State?

For instance, the act of texting and driving or reading and responding to email messages is illegal in the state. Additionally, drivers cannot hold a cell phone or another type of electronic device in their hand when operating a vehicle on public roads.

Is it legal to talk on the phone while driving?

However, only drivers who are 19 years of age or older may use a hands-free device to talk on the phone. Novice drivers, such as those with a drivers license permit and any driver younger than 19 years of age, are prohibited from engaging in any type of cell phone activity while they are driving.