HB 1503 Summary

• Prohibits operating a motor vehicle on Oklahoma public streets or highways while composing, sending, or reading text-based communications on a cellular telephone or electronic communication device while the vehicle is in motion.

• Provides exceptions for emergency situations when communicating with emergency response operators, hospitals, physicians, ambulance services, firefighting services, or law enforcement agencies.

• Establishes a penalty of up to $500 in fines and court costs for violations of the texting while driving prohibition.

• Authorizes municipalities to enact local ordinances prohibiting the same conduct, provided the ordinances are no more stringent than the state law and impose equal or lesser penalties.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2013.