AR SB154

Prohibits drivers from using handheld wireless telephones while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building, with exceptions for emergency purposes and law enforcement officers.

Prohibits drivers from using handheld wireless telephones while operating a motor vehicle in highway work zones when a highway worker is present, with exceptions for emergency purposes and law enforcement officers.

Allows use of handheld wireless telephones in both school zones and highway work zones when contacting law enforcement, fire department, public safety personnel, emergency medical personnel, or 911 for emergency reporting purposes.

Clarifies that hands-free wireless telephones and devices, citizens band radios, and global positioning or navigation devices are excluded from the handheld wireless telephone restrictions.

Effective date for all violations is October 1, 2011; repeals the previous applicability section that referenced October 1, 2009.