Effective, July 1, 2010, Public
Act 60 prohibits drivers from reading, writing and sending text messages while
operating a motor vehicle.
Specifically the bill states:
"A person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless
2-way communication device that is located in the person's hand or in the
person's lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service
or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle that is
moving on a highway or street in this state.”
There are exceptions for law enforcement and emergency situations.
It is a civil infraction and the individual shall be responsible to pay a
civil fine for a first violation, $100.00; and for a for a second or subsequent
violation, $200.00."
This law was passed as a primary offense, which means a person could be
pulled over and ticketed based on the text messaging offense
alone.
