Bill > S1711

Introduced Session

This bill increases the penalties for first, second and subsequent offenses of talking on a hand-held wireless telephone or texting a message with a hand-held wireless electronic communication device while driving. The fines and driver's license suspension periods imposed under this bill are the same as those imposed for driving while intoxicated (DWI). P.L.2013, c.70 increased fines for first, second and subsequent offenses of talking on a hand-held wireless telephone or texting a message with a hand-held wireless electronic communication device while driving. Under current law, the fine for this offense is $200 to $400 for a first offense, $400 to $600 for a second offense, and $600 to $800 for third and subsequent offenses. Current law also permits the court, at its discretion, to impose a 90-day driver's license suspension for persons convicted of the offense for a third or subsequent time. In addition, third and subsequent offenders receive three motor vehicle penalty points. Under the provisions of this bill, the following penalties would be imposed: (1) for a first offense, a fine of $250 to $400 and suspension of the person's driver's license for 90 days; (2) for a second offense, a fine of $500 to $1,000 and suspension of the person's driver's license for two years; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense, a fine of $1,000 and suspension of the person's driver's license for 10 years. The bill also removes language from current law providing that violators are not assessed motor vehicle points or insurance eligibility points.

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Richard Codey (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/05/2018)