SPRINGFIELD, Ill (IRN) - It’s illegal to text or email with a cell phone while driving in Illinois. But a bill that’s passed the Illinois House would add taking pictures or video with a phone to that list.
State Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) is the sponsor of the bill. He presented it on the House floor as a measure that would disallow cell phone picture and video taking while driving by an accident scene.
“When you’re driving at an accident scene, you ought to be concentrated on driving, not trying to videotape the accident,” said Holbrook on the floor.
But language in the bill changes the part of the law that defines “electronic messages” which currently includes the drafting of emails, text messages or instant messages on cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The bill adds “digital photograph” and “video” to the language, meaning a picture or video cannot be taken while driving in any instance. A separate statute has been amended in the bill that says cell phones can’t be used within 500 feet of an accident scene.
State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) tried to clarify this point on the House floor.
“Aren’t they already prohibited from doing that right now, such as prohibited from texting while driving?” asked Franks.
“Both digital photo and video were not included in that language and neither were accident scenes,” said Holbrook. “Only certain areas like schools and construction areas. This amends that act and adds those two items.”
HB1984 passed the House on a vote of 89-18 and now heads to the Senate.
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