Not long ago, the ability to call people from our cars was a luxury. Today, nearly everyone has a cell phone, raising new safety concerns. Over recent years, Illinois has restricted cell phone use by banning it in school and construction zones and prohibiting texting while driving anywhere. The latest step expands those restrictions.

Governor Quinn signed Public Act 098-0506, which takes effect January 1, 2014. The law bans the use of a “hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer.” Previously, the statute only banned texting or sending electronic messages, but that language has been updated to reflect a total ban on hand-held use.

Under the law, you may only use a phone while driving if you are:

• Using a Bluetooth device, headset, or voice-operated system,
• Calling in an emergency (such as an accident, not being late to a meeting),
• Stopped on the shoulder, or
• Stopped in traffic with the car in neutral or park.

Two-way radios, GPS devices, and phones used strictly as music players are still permitted.

Though inconvenient, the law simplifies rules about when and how phones can be used while driving. It is a good idea to start practicing safe habits now—whether that means using hands-free technology or avoiding phone use altogether.

For the full text of the law, see Public Act 098-0506.

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