H.B. 270

128th General Assembly

(As Introduced)

Reps.     Pillich and Garland, Domenick, Murray, Oelslager, Pryor

BILL SUMMARY

· Prohibits driving a vehicle while text messaging or typing on a mobile communication device.

CONTENT AND OPERATION

The bill prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic while text messaging or typing on a mobile communication device (R.C. 4511.204(A)).  The bill defines "mobile communication device" to include a wireless telephone, text-messaging device, personal digital assistant, computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is designed or used to communicate text or data (R.C. 4511.204(D)).

The bill provides that the prohibition discussed above does not apply to either of the following (R.C. 4511.204(B)):

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

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

Under the bill, whoever violates the prohibition discussed above is guilty of a minor misdemeanor (R.C. 4511.204(C)).  The penalty for a minor misdemeanor is a fine of not more than $150 (R.C. 2929.28, not in the bill).

HISTORY

ACTION	DATE
Introduced	08-18-09

H0270-I-128.docx/jc