Revision: Jan. 13, 2009, midnight
HB 294 – AS INTRODUCED
2009 SESSION
03/09
HOUSE BILL 294
AN ACT prohibiting writing a text message while driving.
SPONSORS: Rep. Campbell, Hills 24; Rep. Rodeschin, Sull 2; Sen. Roberge, Dist 9
This bill 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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
09-0254
03/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine
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, 2010.