Illinois Distracted Driving - Illegal Use of Handheld Cell Phone Attorney

Handheld Cell Phone Use is a Primary Offense in Illinois

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.   While anything that takes the driver's attention away from the road can contribute to a traffic accident, the increased use of hand held cell phones used for talking, texting, emailing and web surfing is being held responsible for a large number of distracted driving accidents.  
 

Illinois Cell Phone Violation Attorney - Illinois Distracted Driving Laws

Specific distracted driving laws in Illinois include:
•    Cell phones may not be used in school speed zones or in highway construction zones
•    All drivers in Illinois are prohibited from using handheld devices while driving
•    Novice drivers (anyone 18 or younger) may not use hand held or hands free cell phones while driving
•    Bus drivers may not use hand held or hands free cell phones while driving
•    All drivers are prohibited from texting and other related activities (e.g. emailing, internet use...)
•    At least 70 municipalities in Illinois have their own handheld cell phone laws (e.g. Highland Park, Winnetka, Evanston, Deerfield...)

Fines for first offenses are $75 with increases for subsequent violations. Driving without a hands-free device is considered a primary offense - police can pull over a driver and ticket them if they observe handheld cell phone use. Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous.
The Illinois Secretary of State considers even hands-free technology a distraction while driving.  If you must make a phone call, even if you have hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.
 

Increased Charges for Illinois Distracted Drivers

Drivers who are involved in a crash resulting in injury to another due to use of handheld cell phones or texting would face criminal charges - a Class A Misdemeanor and fines up to $2,500 with the possibility of jail time. Drivers involved in fatal accidents could be charged with a Class 4 felony, which carries fines up to $25,000 and up to three years of jail time.  
Illinois Distracted Driving Attorney - Illinois Traffic Law Attorney
It is more important than ever to seek legal advice from an experienced traffic  attorney - particular in the Chicago land area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, McHenry, Lake, Madison and St. Clair Counties). Contact Tim Henderson for a free initial consultation.