House File 575 - Introduced HOUSE FILE BY SWAIM (COMPANION TO LSB 2581SS BY HOGG) Passed House, Date Passed Senate, Date Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved A BILL FOR 1 An Act relating to the use of a cellular telephone by a motor 2 vehicle operator with an instruction permit or intermediate 3 driver's license issued under the graduated driver licensing 4 program and making penalties applicable. 5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 6 TLSB 2581HH 82 7 dea/je/5 PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 321.180B, Code 2007, is amended by 1 2 adding the following new subsection: 1 3 NEW SUBSECTION. 2A. CELL PHONE USE RESTRICTED. A person 1 4 who has been issued an instruction permit or an intermediate 1 5 driver's license under this section shall not operate or 1 6 utilize a handheld cellular telephone, or other handheld 1 7 device used for remote two=way communication, while operating 1 8 a motor vehicle on a highway. This subsection does not apply 1 9 when the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadway 1 10 or when a handheld cellular telephone or other handheld 1 11 communication device is used to call 9=1=1 or to contact law 1 12 enforcement authorities or an emergency response agency in an 1 13 emergency situation. 1 14 EXPLANATION 1 15 This bill prohibits a motor vehicle operator with an 1 16 instruction permit or intermediate license issued under the 1 17 graduated driver licensing program from using a handheld 1 18 cellular telephone or other handheld two=way communication 1 19 device while driving. Exceptions are allowed for 911 calls 1 20 and calls to law enforcement authorities or emergency response 1 21 agencies in an emergency situation. In addition, the bill 1 22 does not prohibit the use of a cell phone when the motor 1 23 vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadway. 1 24 A violation of graduated driver licensing provisions is a 1 25 simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $30. In 1 26 addition, a person 17 years of age must be violation=free for 1 27 12 months to qualify for a full driver's license. 1 28 LSB 2581HH 82 1 29 dea:rj/je/5