OH HB415

Prohibits driving a motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read text-based communications on streets, highways, or public property open to vehicular traffic.

Exempts emergency communications with law enforcement, hospitals, fire departments, public safety vehicle operators performing duties, stationary vehicles, phone number entry for calls, vehicle operation/navigation messages, radio wave messages, navigation devices, and hands-free communication devices.

Establishes a six-month warning period from the effective date during which law enforcement shall issue written warnings only rather than citations or arrests for violations.

After the six-month warning period ends, violations become enforceable as minor misdemeanors with standard ticketing and prosecution authority.

Defines "electronic wireless communications device" to include wireless telephones, text-messaging devices, personal digital assistants, computers, and similar wireless devices designed to communicate text.