The bill amends Sections 31-22-30 and 31-22-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-22, which pertain to distracted driving and mobile telephone usage by motor vehicle operators. It explicitly prohibits the use of a wireless handset or personal wireless communication device for composing, reading, or sending text messages while driving, with exceptions for the inoperability of the motor vehicle and for the use of a global positioning or navigation application, provided that the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to the vehicle for hands-free operation.

The bill clarifies that the use of a personal wireless communication device in a hands-free manner is permissible with a hands-free accessory or through the activation or deactivation of a feature or function with a single swipe or tap of the driver's finger. It introduces a new provision allowing drivers to pay fines by mail without appearing in court.

Additionally, the bill revises the penalties for violations of these provisions, removing the possibility of license suspension and instead imposing fines for first, second, and subsequent offenses. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
576: 31-22-30