Report Title:

Traffic Code; Cellular Phone; Text Messaging

Description:

Prohibits the use of a cellular phone for text messaging while operating a motor vehicle upon any public street, road, or highway.  Provides limited exceptions.  Effective 01/01/09.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	3005
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to traffic.

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

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

     "§291C‑    Cellular phones; prohibited use. (a)  No person shall use a cellular phone for text messaging while operating a motor vehicle upon any public street, road, or highway.

(b)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any law enforcement or emergency personnel while operating a motor vehicle in an official capacity."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2009.

INTRODUCED BY:

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