Senate Bill 442 Summary

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on Oklahoma streets or highways while using a cellular telephone or electronic communication device to compose, send, or read text messages while the vehicle is in motion

• Establishes a maximum fine and court costs of $500.00 for violations of the texting while driving prohibition

• Exempts law enforcement, emergency vehicle operators, amateur radio operators, and use of devices solely for communicating emergency situations (emergency services, hospitals, ambulance providers, or firefighting services)

• Allows municipalities to enact ordinances prohibiting texting while driving with identical penalties and enforcement provisions as state law, preventing more stringent local regulations

• Becomes effective November 1, 2013