HB2723 Summary

• Changes the prohibition on operating a motor vehicle from "using" to "holding" a mobile electronic device, establishing a stricter standard.

• Adds new subsection (d) prohibiting pedestrians from crossing streets, roads, or highways while using a mobile electronic device.

• Clarifies that persons under 18 cannot operate a motor vehicle while using hands-free devices and removes the previous exception for emergency 911 calls in this context.

• Maintains exemptions for emergency responders, commercial drivers using two-way radios, licensed amateur radio operators, and drivers in parked vehicles with engines off.

• Establishes fines of $250 (or $300 in school zones and construction areas) for violations, which constitute traffic infractions under section 291D-2.