The Illinois House of Representatives today voted to ban the use of cellphones while driving in a 64-46 vote.
State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) voted in favor of the ban,
State Reps. Jerry Costello II (D-Red Bud) and Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon) voted against House Bill 1247. The measure now heads to the Illinois Senate for approval.
In a statement, Kay said he believed the ban "is just another attempt to take away more of our freedom.
“Our government needs to stop interfering with our day to day lives. What’s next, banning dogs and cats from riding in your vehicle since they can be distracting?”
House Bill 1247 provides that a person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cellphone. However, the cellphone ban will allow drivers to use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets and hands free devices.
Exemptions are provided for the following: use in emergency situations by public safety officials (such as police, fire, EMS), HAM radio operators and truckers that use C.B. radios that are not listed in Illinois’ current texting while driving ban.
Illinois House votes to ban use of cellphones while driving; Kay and Costello 'No' - Hoffman 'Yes'
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