New distracted driving law goes into effect on July 1

Beginning July 1, the Illinois secretary of state will be able to revoke driving privileges for one year when a driver causes “great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement” due to use of an electronic communication device. The offense is also subject to a minimum $1,000 fine.

Electronic communication devices include hand-held wireless telephone, hand-held personal digital assistant, or portable or mobile computer. It does not include a GPS or a device that is electronically integrated into the vehicle. 

The penalties do not apply to law enforcement officers or first responders while performing their official duties or drivers who are using the electronic communication device while reporting an emergency situation, a driver using the device in hands-free or voice-operated mode or a driver using the device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway or a driver who has the vehicle in neutral or park while in normal traffic being obstructed. 

Texting while driving and holding an electronic device while driving are also illegal in Illinois.