Text Messaging Ban
A driver may not type, send or read a text message while operating a motor vehicle, except if the vehicle is parked on the shoulder of a roadway and the gear shift is in the neutral or park position. GPS systems and navigational equipment are exempt.

School Crossing Zones (the new part of the law is bolded)

When approaching a marked school crossing zone between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., on days when school is in operation and when school children are present, a driver must stop all wireless phone communications, reduce his/her speed to 20 mph and yield to any children or adults crossing in the crosswalk area. Speeding in a school crossing zone will result in a $150 fine.

Construction Zones (the new part of the law is bolded)

When approaching or entering a highway construction or maintenance area, Illinois law requires motorists to stop all wireless phone communications, slow down, yield to any authorized vehicles or workers in the area, change to a lane away from the workers, and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Penalties for traffic violations in construction zones include fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to two years and possible imprisonment.

To be effective, the new laws will have to be enforced. However, they are considered primary offenses, which mean law enforcement officials have the authority to pull over drivers primarily for these offenses, similar to the power they have if motorists fail to wear a seat belt. For more information, log on to the Secretary of State’s website and view the Rules of the Road Handbook at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com under the Publications link.