Definition

• Although text messages are the focus of the legislation, the act covers a range of electronic messages, which are defined as "self-contained pieces of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices." Other types of prohibited communication include electronic mail, an instant message or a command or request to access an Internet site.
  
  

Exceptions

• Law enforcement officials and operators of emergency vehicles are not subject to this legislation when performing official duties. Drivers using communications devices to report an emergency situation also are exempt, as are those individuals who use their devices in a hands-free or voice-activated mode. An additional exception covers drivers of commercial vehicles who read a permanent communications device designed for that vehicle that has a screen smaller than 10 inches by 10 inches.
  
  Legal situations in which drivers may text while in their vehicles include pulling off to the side of the road or using the device when the vehicle is obstructed by traffic and the transmission is shifted to neutral or park.
  
  

Fines

• Violations of this law result in fines starting at $75 and going as high as $1,000. Drivers breaking this law may be subject to a moving violation and additional penalties that could include suspension of a driver's license. Drivers under the age of 19 are subject to further restrictions in that they are able to use electronic devices only while in a motor vehicle to report emergency situations.
  
  

Awareness Campaign

• The "Drive Now, Text Later" campaign is sponsored by the Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and AAA Chicago. It was launched on the first anniversary of the texting law, Jan. 1, 2011, to make drivers aware of the consequences of using electronic communications devices while driving. A recent survey indicated that as many as 40 percent of Illinois drivers were unaware that texting while driving is illegal.
  
  Preliminary data released by these Illinois agencies indicate that cellphone distractions were primary or secondary causes in more than half of vehicle crashes during the first half of 2010. During the previous year, cellphone distractions played a major role in 1,300 crashes. National statistics indicate almost 5,500 individuals died in 2009 in distracted-driving crashes, representing 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities for that year.