IL HB2971

Amends Illinois Vehicle Code Section 12-610.1 to allow persons under 19 years old with instruction permits or graduated licenses to use wireless telephones while driving for GPS navigation purposes only.

Maintains existing prohibition on all other wireless telephone use by drivers under 19, except for emergency calls to law enforcement, health care providers, fire departments, or other emergency services.

Defines "aggravated use of a wireless telephone" as violating the general prohibition while involved in a motor vehicle accident causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another person where the violation was a proximate cause.

Establishes penalties of Class A misdemeanor for aggravated use resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, and Class 4 felony if violation results in death.

Applies wireless telephone restrictions to all drivers regardless of age in school speed zones, construction/maintenance speed zones, and within 500 feet of emergency scenes, with limited exceptions for emergency use and voice-operated devices.