Text Messaging - The new Illinois text messaging law went into effect on January 1, 2010. According to the new law: “A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message.” It goes on to define an "electronic message" as; "including, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.”

There are exceptions however including emergencies, public safety officials and the following; “A driver using an electronic communication device in hands-free or voice-activated mode” Fines for the new offense begin at $75.

No Cell Phones in a School Zone Law - Another law that took effect on January 1, 2010 is Senate Bill 72 titled "Vehicular Phone Use in School Zones". According to the new law: "A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone." There are exceptions for a person engaged in a highway construction or maintenance, emergencies and when the phone is in voice-activated mode.

Summary of New Driving Law (IDOT) - "On August 6, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law House Bill 71 and House Bill 72. The new laws ban motorists from sending text messages while driving in Illinois, and make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone.

In addition, it will become illegal to compose, send or read text messages, instant messages and e-mail on a cell phone or surf the internet while driving. The ban also includes personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers, but does not include global positioning systems (GPS) or navigation systems."

Illinois Driving and Cell-Phone Legislation - The State of Illinois has regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Illinois is one of six states that allow localities to determine their own laws regarding cell phone use while driving. Chicago is one of the cities that has chosen to enact hands free legislation and make driving while using a cell device illegal.

Source: http://www.drivinglaws.org/ill.php