HB24 Summary

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle while writing, sending, reading text messages; watching, recording, or capturing photos/videos; physically holding a wireless device; or engaging in handheld voice-based communications, with specified exceptions for emergency calls, hands-free devices, navigation systems, and first responders.

• Establishes fines of $100 for first violation, $200 for second violation, and $300 for third or subsequent violation, with no court costs imposed solely for these violations.

• Assigns two-point driving record violations for first and second convictions, and three-point violations for third and subsequent convictions under the law.

• Allows law enforcement to cite violations as a primary offense but prohibits using violations to establish probable cause for other offenses or to conduct vehicle searches.

• Becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval; requires law enforcement agencies to maintain and report monthly statistics on traffic stops made under this article, including data on stops of minority groups.