This bill amends the penalties for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving, significantly increasing fines and introducing license suspensions for repeat offenders. The current law, which imposes fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for subsequent offenses within a 24-month period, is revised to establish a new structure of fines. Under the new provisions, a first offense will incur a fine of $250, escalating to $500 if it contributes to a crash. For a second offense, the fine will be $500, increasing to $750 if it leads to a crash. A third or subsequent offense will result in a fine of $750 and a potential license suspension of up to 30 days, with fines reaching $1,000 and a 60-day suspension if the violation contributes to a crash.

Additionally, the bill specifies that these changes will take effect on January 1, 2027. The revisions aim to enhance road safety by imposing stricter penalties on repeat offenders, thereby discouraging the use of mobile devices while driving and reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by such distractions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:79-c
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:79-c
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:79-c
SB649 text: 265:79-c