Act No. 150

(S.280)

Motor vehicles; texting; prohibition; junior operators; use of portable electronic devices; safety belts; primary enforcement

This act:

(1) Prohibits texting on a portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway, imposes $100 for a first offense and $250 for a second or subsequent offense, imposes a two-point assessment for first offenses and a five-point assessment for second and subsequent offenses, and imposes a 90-day recall of a learner's permit or junior operator's license for a first offense.

(2) Directs the commissioner of motor vehicles to formulate a plan to educate operators as to the dangers of and penalties associated with operating while texting.

(3) Expands primary enforcement of safety belt requirements from applying to occupants under age 16 to those under age 18.

(4) Prohibits persons under age 18 from using portable electronic devices while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway except when necessary to place an emergency 911 call.

Date Signed by the Governor:  June 1, 2010

Effective Date:  On passage (June 1, 2010, the date on which the governor signed the bill)