Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits texting while driving.

Highlights:

• Amends law to include the use of electronic wireless communications in test of knowledge on motor vehicle laws (Page 4).

• Amends law to require the registrar to supply a temporary instruction permit, specific license to motor vehicle registration, and a summary of Ohio’s laws (Page 7).

• Establishes that the applicant shall sign a statement of knowledge on laws for electronic devices (Page 7).

• Defines dangers of driving to include any activity that distracts the driver (Page 9).

• Defines the deduction of points from the driving test as the following (Page 14):

• First offense to be two points;

• Second offense to be three points; and

• Third offense to be four points.

• Amends law to require a sign against electronic device usage while driving a motor vehicle to be placed in the department’s manual (Page 16).

• Prohibits a driver from holding or using an electronic device while parked on a road or at a traffic light (Page 17).

• Authorizes the usage of an electronic device as long as one is not holding or supporting the device (Page 17).

• Authorizes law enforcement officers to implement the following if a ticket is issued (Page 19):

• Report the issuance of the ticket to the officer’s law enforcement agency; and

• Indicate the offender’s race.

• Prohibits the court from fining an offender over $150 (Page 20).

• Authorizes the court to fine up to $250 for a violation within two years of a previous one (Page 20).

• Authorizes the court to fine $500 for the third violation (Page 20).

• Prohibits the court from imposing jail terms (Page 21).

• Prohibits law enforcement from stopping a driver without visual knowledge of a crime and probable cause (Page 22).

• Prohibits law enforement officers from doing the following (Page 22-23):

• Access a device without a warrant;

• Confiscate the device while waiting for a warrant; and 

• Obtain consent through coercion. 

• Authorizes law enforcement to compile the information from reports to be submitted to the Attorney General (Page 27-28).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to complete an annual report with the following information (Page 28):

• Total number of offenders by race for violations; and 

• The information supplied by the law enforcement agencies. 

• Authorizes the annual report to be given to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate (Page 28).

Full Bill Text