HB 2434 Summary

• Adds prohibition on using handheld wireless communications devices while operating a motor vehicle, including texting, emailing, social media messaging, and voice calls without hands-free accessories.

• Creates new civil traffic violation (section 28-913) for handheld device use while driving, with first offense treated as nonmoving violation.

• Adds handheld device use as a moving violation triggering enhanced penalties under existing statutes (sections 28-672 and 28-676) when it causes serious physical injury or death.

• Exempts emergency personnel, law enforcement, amateur radio operators, public utility employees responding to emergencies, and persons reporting emergencies or safety hazards.

• Allows use of voice-operated GPS navigation systems affixed to vehicles and excludes autonomous vehicles from the prohibition.