1     
DISTRACTED DRIVING AMENDMENTS

2     
2023 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Carol S. Moss

5     
Senate Sponsor: Don L. Ipson

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill amends provisions related to the use of a wireless communication device while
10     operating a motor vehicle.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms related to the use of a wireless communication device;
14          ▸     prohibits certain uses of a wireless communication device while operating a motor
15     vehicle on a roadway;
16          ▸     provides limited exceptions to the prohibition on the use of a wireless
17     communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway;
18          ▸     amends penalties for a violation; and
19          ▸     makes technical changes.
20     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
21          None
22     Other Special Clauses:
23          None
24     Utah Code Sections Affected:
25     AMENDS:
26          41-6a-1716, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 426
27     

28     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
29          Section 1. Section 41-6a-1716 is amended to read:
30          41-6a-1716. Prohibition on using a wireless communication device while
31     operating a motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
32          (1) As used in this section:
33          (a) "Hands-free operation" means the use of a wireless communication device without
34     manual manipulation.
35          (b) "Manual manipulation" means the act of manually manipulating.
36          (c) (i) "Manually manipulate" means to use a hand to hold or operate a wireless
37     communication device.
38          (ii) "Manually manipulate" does not mean to use a hand to activate or deactivate a
39     feature or function of a wireless communication device if:
40          (A) the manipulation is a single swipe or tap of a finger; and
41          (B) the wireless communication device is mounted on the vehicle's windshield,
42     dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not hinder the operator's view of the road.
43          (d) "Wireless communication device" means:
44          (i) a cellular phone;
45          (ii) a portable telephone;
46          (iii) a text messaging device;
47          (iv) a personal digital assistant;
48          (v) a stand-alone computer, including a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer;
49          (vi) a global positioning receiver;
50          (vii) a device used to display a video, movie, broadcast television image, or visual
51     image; or
52          (viii) a substantially similar communication device used to initiate or receive
53     communication, information, or data.
54          [(b)] (e) "Wireless communication device" does not include a two-way radio device
55     described in 47 C.F.R. Part 90, 95, or 97, or a functional equivalent.
56          (2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), an individual may not [use] manually
57     manipulate a wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a
58     [highway] roadway in this state [to manually:].
59          [(a) (i) write or send a written communication, including:]
60          [(A) a text message;]
61          [(B) an instant message; or]
62          [(C) electronic mail;]
63          [(ii) dial a phone number;]
64          [(iii) access the internet;]
65          [(iv) record video;]
66          [(v) take a photograph; or]
67          [(vi) enter data into a wireless communication device;]
68          [(b) read a written communication, including:]
69          [(i) a text message;]
70          [(ii) an instant message; or]
71          [(iii) electronic mail; or]
72          [(c) view a video or photograph.]
73          (3) (a) Subsection (2) does not prohibit an individual from:
74          (i) hands-free operation of a wireless communication device while operating a motor
75     vehicle on a roadway;
76          (ii) using a wireless communication device while operating a [moving] motor vehicle
77     on a roadway:
78          [(a) when using a wireless communication device for voice communication;]
79          [(b) to view a global positioning or navigation device or a global positioning or
80     navigation application;]
81          (A) if the motor vehicle is parked on the roadway in a manner allowed under this
82     chapter;
83          [(c)] (B) during a medical emergency;
84          [(d)] (C) when reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety
85     hazard;
86          [(e)] (D) when reporting criminal activity or requesting assistance relating to a criminal
87     activity; or
88          [(f)] (E) when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting
89     within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency service personnel's
90     employment[; or].
91          [(g) to operate:]
92          [(i) hands-free or voice operated technology; or]
93          [(ii) a system that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.]
94          (b) Except as allowed under Subsection (3)(a)(ii), an individual may not use a wireless
95     communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway to:
96          (i) read a written communication, including:
97          (A) a text message;
98          (B) an instant message; or
99          (C) electronic mail; or
100          (ii) view or record video.
101          (4) An individual convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of [a]:
102          [(a) class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100; or]
103          (a) an infraction; or
104          (b) a class B misdemeanor if the individual[:(i)] has also inflicted serious bodily injury
105     upon another as a proximate result of using a wireless communication device in violation of
106     this section while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state[; or].
107          [(ii) has a prior conviction under this section, that is within three years of:]
108          [(A) the current conviction under this section; or]
109          [(B) the commission of the offense upon which the current conviction is based.]