As Introduced

128th General Assembly
Regular Session
2009-2010
H. B. No. 270


Representatives Pillich, Garland 

Cosponsors: Representatives Domenick, Murray, Oelslager, Pryor 



A BILL
To enact section 4511.204 of the Revised Code to 1
prohibit driving a vehicle while text messaging 2
or typing on a mobile communication device.3


BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

       Section 1. That section 4511.204 of the Revised Code be 4
enacted to read as follows: 5

       Sec. 4511.204.  (A) No person shall drive a motor vehicle, 6
trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street, highway, or 7
property open to the public for vehicular traffic while text 8
messaging or typing on a mobile communication device.9

       (B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any of the 10
following:11

       (1) A person using a mobile communication device in that 12
manner for emergency purposes, including an emergency contact 13
with a law enforcement agency, hospital or health care provider, 14
fire department, or other similar emergency agency or entity;15

       (2) A person operating a public safety vehicle who uses a 16
mobile communication device in that manner in the course of the 17
person's duties.18

       (C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty 19
of a minor misdemeanor.20

       (D) As used in this section, "mobile communication device" 21
includes any of the following:22

       (1) A wireless telephone;23

       (2) A text-messaging device;24

       (3) A personal digital assistant;25

       (4) A computer;26

       (5) Any other substantially similar wireless device that is 27
designed or used to communicate text or data.28