Comment by toomuchtodo
3 days ago
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/dis...
> Illinois law prohibits the use of electronic communication devices to write, send, or read text messages, emails, or other electronic communications while driving.
> In 2024, legislation went into effect that also made it illegal to use teleconferencing apps, watch videos, or access social media sites while driving.
> Drivers who are in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and incarceration.
What's the difference between "other electronic communications" and "teleconferencing apps", compared to a phone call? Or is there a specific carve out for that?
The law is basically written to say that doing anything at all with your phone is illegal while driving. Then it carves out exceptions to say it's allowed if you're calling 911, you're doing it hands-free, etc. But then they separately say those exceptions do not apply apply to video calls or watching videos or accessing social media on your phone. Even if you mount your phone, you can't watch YouTube or livestream yourself or attend Zoom court or browse Reddit hands-free while driving.
The reading of the first law sounds like it's oriented towards textual communication; the second law expands it to include video as well. AIUI neither one bans a voice-only phone call so long as you are looking at the road and not your phone.