The bill amends Section 31-22-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-22, changing the title to "Text messaging while operating a motor vehicle Distracted driving prohibited while operating a motor vehicle." It redefines terms such as "driving," "hands free," and "wireless handset," and expands the definition of prohibited activities while driving to include not just text messaging but any use of a wireless handset or personal wireless communication device, except for certain specified situations. The bill removes the term "use" as it pertains to operating a device inconsistently with hands-free operation and changes "cellular telephones" to "mobile devices."

The bill outlines exceptions to the prohibition, including use by law enforcement and emergency personnel, contacting emergency services, using devices while the vehicle is parked or inoperable, and activating or deactivating a navigation device or app in a hands-free manner. It also introduces a new exception for the use of a device in a hands-free manner or with a single swipe or tap of the finger. Penalties for violations include fines and potential license suspensions, with increasing severity for repeat offenses. The bill specifies that all violations will be heard in the Rhode Island traffic tribunal and states that the act will take effect upon passage. The legislative council explains that the act provides an additional exception for the use of wireless communication devices while driving and clarifies the use of such devices for navigation must be hands-free.

Statutes affected:
5701  SUB A: 31-22-30
5701: 31-22-30