SF 2289 (LSB 6157SV (1) 85)

SENATE FILE 2289

BY  COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

(SUCCESSOR TO SSB 3191)

A BILL FOR

An Act establishing texting while driving as a primary traffic offense for purposes of law enforcement.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 321.276, subsection 5, Code 2014, is amended by striking the subsection.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   Current law prohibits a person from using a hand-held electronic communication device to write, read, or send a text message while driving a motor vehicle. A violation is punishable by a scheduled fine of $30, but it is not considered a moving violation. In addition, the prohibition against texting while driving is only enforceable as a secondary action when the motor vehicle has been stopped for a suspected violation of another law. Under this bill, a peace officer is authorized to stop a person suspected of texting while driving, regardless of whether a violation of another law has occurred.