Report Title:

Traffic Violations; Text Messaging; Transportation

Description:

Prohibits text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.  Provides fine for violation of the prohibition.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2299
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO traffic violations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291-   Text messaging prohibited; penalty. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway while simultaneously sending, reading, or writing a text message on an electronic wireless communications device including a wireless telephone.

(b)  This section shall not apply to a person:

(1) Operating an authorized emergency vehicle;

(2) Operating a voice-activated global positioning or navigation system that is permanently affixed to the vehicle;

(3) Making a telephone call on a wireless telephone or a telephone permanently affixed to the vehicle; or

(4) Text messaging to:

(A) Report illegal activity to law enforcement authorities;

(B) Summon medical or other emergency assistance;

(C) Prevent injury to a person or damage to property; or

(D) Relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle.

(c)  A person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $        nor more than $        for each separate offense."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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