Illinois House Again Votes To Ban Cell Phones Behind The Wheel

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 1, 2013 8:20PM

The Illinois House voted in favor of a bill that, if the Senate approves, would make using cellphones while driving illegal in Illinois. House Bill 1247 would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to expand the ban on texting while driving to include all cellphone use, with the exception of hands-free devices.

State Rep. John D’Amico (D - Chicago) the bill’s chief sponsor, tried last year to pass HB 1247, but it stalled in the Senate. In addition to the texting ban, 76 communities across Illinois, including Chicago, have some restriction on using cellphones behind the wheel. If the bill becomes law, drivers would receive a $75 fine for a first offense. The bill passed by a 64-46 vote and received support from both parties in the House, although more conservative representatives argued the bill would be unenforceable if it became law.

State Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) said the bill is an invasion of privacy. “Where does it stop? Should we go ahead and take radios out of our cars?”

If the bill passes in the Senate, Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign it into law.