What is the law on texting and driving in Illinois?
The legislature passed a law in Illinois in 2009 that prohibits texting while driving. The law went into effect on January 1, 2010. The law is set forth in the Illinois Vehicle Code at 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2. The statute prohibits more than just texting, however. A driver cannot text, instant message, email, or surf the web while driving, with either a cell phone or a laptop computer. The offense is a petty offense which has a penalty of fine only. The maximum fine for texting while driving, or any petty offense for that matter, is $1,000.00. Texting while driving is a moving violation in Illinois, and therefore, it can result in a suspended license. The general rule is two moving violations in any two-year period will result in a suspended license for drivers who are younger than 21 years of age. For all motorists who are 21 years old or older, three moving violations in one year can result in the Secretary of State imposing a driver’s license suspension. The law provides a few exception
