D’Amico Bill to Reduce Dangerous and Distracted Drivers Advances

Legislation sponsored by state Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) to prohibit drivers of commercial motor vehicles from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating a commercial vehicle recently passed the Illinois House.

“This measure aims to keep our roads safe by reducing instances of distracted driving,” D’Amico said. “By prohibiting drivers of commercial vehicles from texting or using their cell phones while driving, we are working to improve the safety of Illinois roads.”

Under D’Amico’s House Bill 5101, a driver of a commercial vehicle will not be allowed to text while driving, and a motor carrier will be prohibited from requiring its drivers to text while driving a commercial vehicle. Commercial drivers will be permitted to text when their commercial vehicle is moved off the roadway and is in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. Furthermore, texting will be permissible when necessary to communicate with law enforcement agencies. Current law does not prohibit commercial drivers from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating commercial vehicles.

Recently, D’Amico also passed House Bill 3972 out of the House to prohibit a person from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device. This measure will not prohibit the use of global positioning systems (GPS), navigation systems or devices that are physically integrated into the motor vehicle.

“Anything we can do to reduce distracted driving is an important step in the right direction,” D’Amico said. “I am pleased that this measure has passed the House and  I will continue working hard to make Illinois roads as safe as possible.”

For more information, please contact D’Amico’s constituent service office at (773) 736-0218.