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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2785 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the statewide traffic code.
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- Mobile electronic devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device.
(b) The use of a mobile electronic device for the sole purpose of making a "911" emergency communication shall be an affirmative defense to this section.
(c) The following persons shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (a):
(1) Emergency responders using a mobile electronic device while in the performance and scope of their official duties;
(2) Drivers using two-way radios while in the performance and scope of their work-related duties; and
(3) Drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and using a half-duplex two-way radio.
(d) As used in this section:
"Emergency responders" include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, mobile intensive care technicians, civil defense workers, police officers, and federal and state law enforcement officers.
"Mobile electronic device":
(1) Means any handheld or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing wireless or data communication between two or more persons, or of providing amusement, including but not limited to a cellular phone, text messaging device, paging device, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, video game, or digital photographic device.
(2) Does not include any audio equipment or any equipment installed in a motor vehicle for the purpose of providing navigation, emergency assistance to the operator of the motor vehicle, or video entertainment to the passengers in the rear seats of the motor vehicle.
"Use" or "using" means holding a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle."
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 upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Statewide Traffic Code; Mobile Electronic Devices
Description:
Prohibits drivers from using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.