HB1222 (2008) Detail

Prohibiting writing a text message while driving.


HB 1222 – AS INTRODUCED

2008 SESSION

08-2324

03/09

HOUSE BILL 1222

AN ACT prohibiting writing a text message while driving.

SPONSORS: Rep. Campbell, Hills 24; Rep. Rodeschin, Sull 2; Sen. Roberge, Dist 9

COMMITTEE: Transportation

ANALYSIS

This prohibits writing a text message and using 2 hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device while driving except under circumstances specified in the bill.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

08-2324

03/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT prohibiting writing a text message while driving.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Section; Rules of the Road; Prohibited Text Messages and Device Usage While Operating a Motor Vehicle; Exceptions. Amend RSA 265 by inserting after section 105 the following new section:

265:105-a Prohibited Text Messages and Device Usage While Operating a Motor Vehicle; Exceptions.

I. Except as provided in paragraph II, a person operating a moving motor vehicle who writes a text message or uses 2 hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device, is guilty of a violation. A person does not write a text message when he or she reads, selects, or enters a phone number or name in a wireless communications device for the purpose of making a phone call.

II. Paragraph I does not apply to a person operating:

(a) An authorized emergency vehicle.

(b) A moving motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to:

(1) Report illegal activity.

(2) Summon medical or other emergency help.

(3) Prevent injury to a person or property.

(4) Relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator’s dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle.

(5) Navigate using a global positioning system.

III. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2009.