Illinois Cellphone Laws for Drivers

Distracted driving is one of the main factors related to driver errors that can cause serious car accidents. With the growing popularity of cellphones, GPS systems and other mobile devices, it’s no surprise that drivers are increasingly using these devices while operating vehicles and that:

• These devices can cause drivers to miss important visual cues – like stop signs or traffic signals – when driving.
• Cellphones are among the primary devices responsible for distracting drivers.
• Most states in the U.S. have passed some type of cellphone ban for drivers to reduce the number of distracted driving-related accidents caused by cellphone use.

The laws regarding cellphone use vary dramatically from state to state. Although some of these cellphone bans restrict the use of hand-held cellphones entirely when driving, in some states, use of hand-held cellphones is only partially restricted for certain types of drivers; in a handful of states, there currently is no ban on cellphone use when driving.

In Illinois, cellphone laws for drivers stipulate the following:

• Drivers are NOT allowed to use hand-held cellphones when driving in construction zones, school speed zones and within 500 feet of an emergency scene.
• Drivers who are younger than 19 years old – regardless of whether they have their full driver’s license – are not allowed to use hand-held cellphones when driving.
• School bus drivers are forbidden from using hand-held cellphones when operating school buses.
• All drivers are forbidden from texting when driving.
• All Illinois cellphone laws for drivers are considered to be primary laws. This means that traffic cops can pull over and potentially ticket drivers who they suspect have violated these laws and that they do not need another reason (such as running a red light) to pull over these drivers.

Mount Vernon Car Accident Lawyers

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon car accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their losses and injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you have been injured in a car accident or in any type of traffic accident and believe another driver’s negligence may be to blame, contact us by calling (888) 896-9381 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.