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Wheaton Attorneys Fighting Accusations of Texting While Driving Traffic Violations

​Texting and otherwise using your cellphone while driving can be incredibly dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the U.S., more than nine people are killed and approximately 2,200 are injured in accidents involving distracted drivers. In fact, texting while driving can be even more dangerous than driving while intoxicated in some circumstances. In addition to the dangers of distracted driving, there are also the legal consequences to consider.

If you are facing traffic violations charges related to texting while driving, you should contact our team at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., today. Our attorneys are prepared to advocate on your behalf throughout each step of your case. Contact us as soon as you are able.

Illinois Distracting Driving Laws

Illinois state law prohibits the use of any electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. Electronic communication devices can include (but are not limited to):

  • Hand-held wireless phones
  • Hand-held personal digital assistants
  • Portable or mobile computers (but not global positioning systems or “GPS” or devices physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle)

​Fines associated with being charged with using an electronic device while driving include a maximum fine of $75 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation, $125 for the third violation, and $150 for a fourth or further violation.If there is a motor vehicle accident that results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death to another due to the use of an electronic device, you will be charged with aggravated use of an electronic device, which is a Class A misdemeanor if the accident resulted in harm and a Class 4 felony if it resulted in death.

Exemptions for Device Usage While Driving

State law provides for various exemptions. Specifically, the ban on using an electronic device while driving does not apply to:

  • Law enforcement officers while performing official duties
  • A driver using a device to report an emergency situation
  • Drivers using devices in hands-free or voice-operated mode (including headsets)
  • Drivers in commercial vehicles reading a message displayed on a communication device that is permanently installed, as long as the screen does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide
  • Drivers parked on the shoulder of the roadway
  • Drivers that have come to a full stop in traffic and placed their car in neutral or parked mode
  • Drivers using two-way or citizens band radio services (including licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the amateur radio service using two-way mobile radio transmitters or receivers)
  • Drivers who press a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication
  • Drivers using electronic communication devices that are not hand-held wireless telephones or personal digital assistants

​In some cases, you may have been following these laws and thus unjustly had criminal charges filed against you. If this is the case, reach out to our attorneys today.

Contact Illinois Traffic Violation Attorneys

​Contact Beck & Houlihan, P.C., to learn more about our aggressive criminal and traffic defense representation. You have the opportunity to avoid a conviction and avoid serious repercussions through representation by one of our experienced attorneys. Contact our lawyers at 630-398-3185 to schedule an initial consultation.