Kreisman Law Offices Professional Corporation
Illinois has adopted House Bill 1247, which puts an end to the uncertainty as to whether drivers around the state can use hand-held wireless telephones while driving. Under the bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn, a person may not operate a vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device. The law was passed to put to an end to the confusion from town, municipality to city as to what the law is relating to hand-held devices throughout Illinois.
Violation of this section is an offense against traffic regulations, which would result in a maximum fine of $75 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, $125 for the third offense and $150 for the fourth offense.
The law does spell out some exceptions for law enforcement officers or persons operating emergency vehicles. The new law applies directly to those using wireless telephones. The act does cover portable or mobile computers and hand-held personal digital assistant devices.
Undoubtedly the Illinois General Assembly was well-aware of the alarming number of traffic fatalities caused in some way by drivers using a cell phone for calling, texting or checking e-mail. This new law should curtail the number of accidents resulting from hand-held wireless telephones. There is sure to be more legislation in this area to prevent traffic deaths.
Kreisman Law Offices has been handling car accidents and truck crashes for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 37 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Inverness, Antioch, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Rosemont, Richton Park, Blue Island, Northfield, Melrose Park, Chicago (Bridgeport), Chicago (Andersonville), Niles and Skokie, Ill.
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