Illinois’ law banning driving and texting is now five years old, and drivers caught violating it will face a stiffer penalty as of July 1.
Scofflaws who text, talk or use any hand-held devices behind the wheel will receive a ticket for a moving violation. Three moving violations in a 12-month period will lead to a license suspension.
Lawmakers tightened the law in 2018, removing a provision giving first-time offenders a free pass.
The tougher stance reverts back to what Secretary of State Jesse White “wanted in the original bill, and it was negotiated down,” spokesman Dave Druker said. “There was a lot of feeling it was a little harsh.”
Being nice, however, wasn’t working, authorities found. White and Illinois State Police “felt it wasn’t making a dent,” said Elgin Democratic Sen. Christina Castro, who sponsored the change.
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What about handheld gps systems? Not listed as a violation!