House Bill 2159 Summary

• Prohibits operators from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages on portable wireless communication devices while driving a motor vehicle, with violations classified as petty offenses ($25-$99 first offense; $100-$200 subsequent offenses) or class 2 misdemeanors if causing death or serious bodily injury.

• Establishes affirmative defenses to the prohibition including use of hands-free devices, GPS navigation, emergency reporting, and device activation for occupational duties or music functions.

• Requires the department to post signs at state borders informing drivers of the electronic messaging prohibition and associated fines.

• Mandates traffic survival school attendance for convictions under sections 28-1381, 28-1382, and 28-1383 (DUI and extreme DUI violations).

• Amends restrictions on class G (provisional) driver licenses and motorcycle endorsements for minors to prohibit portable wireless communication device use while driving, with penalties of $25-$99 for first offense and $100-$200 for subsequent offenses.