summary
Introduced
05/21/2015
05/21/2015
In Committee
05/21/2015
05/21/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Improving Driver Safety Act of 2015 This bill adds a new requirement for distracted driving grants to states under national priority highway safety programs. To receive a grant a state's prohibition on texting while driving must: include distracted driving issues as part of their driver's license examination, and not make an exception that specifically allows a driver, especially one under age 18, to text through a personal wireless communication device while stopped in traffic. DOT may use up to 50% of amounts available for grants to states that: in FY2016 certify that they have enacted a basic text messaging statute for drivers of all ages, make violation of the statute a primary offense, participate in the annual distracted driving law enforcement mobilization, and are otherwise ineligible for a grant; and in FY2017 meet the aforementioned requirements, impose increased fines for repeat violations, and have a statute that prohibits a driver younger than 18 from using a personal wireless communications device while driving. States may use grant funds for: enforcement of distracted driving laws, and highway safety program projects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall report to Congress on any legal and technical barriers to capturing data on the prevalence of the use of wireless communications devices while driving, including recommendations on how to address those barriers.
AI Summary
This bill, the Improving Driver Safety Act of 2015, aims to enhance highway safety by introducing new requirements for states to receive federal grants for combating distracted driving. To qualify for these grants, states must ensure their laws prohibit texting while driving, incorporate distracted driving issues into their driver's license exams, and eliminate any exceptions that allow drivers, particularly those under 18, to text while stopped in traffic. The Department of Transportation (DOT) can allocate up to half of the grant funds to states that, in fiscal year 2016, certify they have a basic texting ban for all drivers, make violations a primary offense (meaning law enforcement can stop a driver solely for this violation), and participate in annual distracted driving enforcement campaigns, provided they are otherwise ineligible for a grant. For fiscal year 2017, states must meet these prior requirements, implement higher fines for repeat offenders, and enact laws specifically prohibiting drivers under 18 from using any personal wireless communication device while driving. Grant funds can be used for enforcing distracted driving laws and other highway safety projects. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is required to report to Congress on any legal or technical obstacles to collecting data on the use of wireless devices by drivers and suggest solutions.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (on 05/21/2015)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1433/all-info | 05/22/2015 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s1433/BILLS-114s1433is.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/s1433/BILLS-114s1433is.pdf.pdf | 07/04/2016 |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s1433is/pdf/BILLS-114s1433is.pdf | 06/02/2015 |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s1433is/pdf/BILLS-114s1433is.pdf.pdf | 06/02/2015 |
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