Illinois drivers will face harsher penalties for texting while driving. Illinois House Bill 4846 took effect on July 1. The new law categorizes driving while operating a mobile device as a “moving violation.” Moving violation convictions show up on driving records; drivers who receive three violations within a year will face license suspension. The fine for a first-time moving violation is $75, but the charges increase with the number of offenses committed. Illinois’ stricter distracted driving law will undoubtedly affect Illinois drivers and police checkpoints going forward.
What Types of Distracted Driving Does the New Law Prohibit?
The new Illinois distracted driving law provides harsher penalties for those caught engaging in distracted driving habits, such as:
- Texting while driving
- Using a laptop while driving
- Using a tablet while driving
- Holding any electronic device while driving.
Many drivers charged under the new law may think that they are innocent because they were not actively using an electronic device, just holding one. The new law prohibits explicitly holding an electronic device while driving. In other words, the Illinois police do not need to prove that you were using your device when they pulled you over. They only need to show that they saw you holding an electronic device.
Those tempted to use an electronic device while driving should consider putting the device out of reach in the back seat. Drivers may use electronic devices that are “hands-free” without facing any criminal penalties.
Illinois’ New Texting and Driving Laws Will Affect Policing Practices
Illinois police departments are wasting no time enforcing the new distracted driving law. On July 12, Illinois State Police in District 7 started a new program called “Trooper in a Truck.” In this program, undercover police officers ride on the passenger side of a semi-truck and look for people using electronic devices while driving. When they see a violation, they report other state troopers who then attempt to pull the distracted driver over and issue a ticket. Police officers issued 17 tickets within the first hours of the “Trooper in a Truck” program.
Illinois Police Will Use Roadside Checkpoints to Catch Distracted Drivers
Over the 2019 Fourth of July weekend, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement ramped up the number of roadside police checkpoints. Police used roadside checkpoints throughout the state to identify drivers who were speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in distracted driving.
With the new distracted driving law on the books, police departments will no doubt continue to use roadside checkpoints to charge distracted drivers. Be aware that police officers will not only arrest you on suspicion of a DUI but will also charge you for distracted driving under the new law.
If You are Facing an Illinois Distracted Driving Charge, You Need an Experienced Attorney
If you already have two moving violations on your driver’s license, a distracted driving conviction will result in a suspension of your license. Not being able to drive yourself to work and social activities will negatively impact your day-to-day life. The experienced, assertive Cook County criminal defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson will fight hard on your behalf. To contact us, please fill out our online form for an initial consultation.
(image courtesy of Val Britaus)