Drivers without hands-free technology will need to pull off the road to make a call or face fines starting at $75 for a first offense, and up to $150 for repeat offenses as well as face a moving violation on their driving record. Three moving violations within a year could lead to a driver’s license being suspended.
Drivers still could legally make calls on hand-held phones in the case of an emergency.
Illinois already prohibits texting while driving.
Additionally, a driver under the age of 19 who holds an instructional permit or graduated license may not drive a motor vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless phone.
Quinn also signed a measure into law that would increase penalties for drivers who injure or kills others in crashes caused by the use of a cell phone or other electronic device. Distracted motorists who harm other drivers would face a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in fines up to $2,500 and less than a year of jail time. Drivers involved in fatal accidents could be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries fines up to $25,000 and up to three years of jail time. That measure also goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014.
The Naperville Police Department and its’ Officers will work to educate the public early in the year in their enforcement efforts then transition into enforcement actions by issuing citations.
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