Multitasking Illinois motorists will want to proceed withcaution when resuming work next week, as numerous laws regulatingdriving behaviors take hold on Wednesday. 

Of the more than 200 new state laws going into effect on Jan. 1,several pertain to motorists, including when and how they may usecell phones, just how fast they can travel on certain interstates,and where they can properly dispose of cigarette butts.

Hands-Free Cell Phone Use

For example, drivers will no longer be allowed to talk onhandheld cell phones while driving their vehicles. They can,however, use hands-free devices, like Bluetooth headsets,earpieces, and voice-activated command devices when behind thewheel.

It is important to note some exemptions to the ban: Lawenforcement officers or first responders may use handheld devices,along with drivers reporting emergencies and by drivers whileparked on the shoulder of a roadway. Additionally, a driver may usea handheld cell phone if the car is in neutral or in park, or ifthe car is stopped because normal traffic is obstructed.

Although multitasking motorists will awake to a new reality nextweek, it is not beyond the realm of possibilty that some policedepartments may issue warnings rather than impose fines during theinitial transition period. However, in the event of aserious accident in which it can be determined that cell phone useattributed to that accident, a ticket will be issued. Violators ofthe new law face a maximum fine of $75 for a first offense, $100for a second offense, $125 for a third offense, and $150 for afourth or subsequent offense.

In minimizing driving distractions, the state seeks to lower thenumber of traffic accidents and resultant injuries in the state.Another aim of at least one of the new laws is to prevent smokersfrom flicking their cigarette butts out of car windows. Under thatstate law, any person who tosses a cigarette butt out a car windowcan be ticketed for littering. The Litter Control Act also allows acourt to force the offending person to go back to the scene of theillegal littering to pick up the litter he or she left behind.

Another law taking effect alters the legal speed limit oncertain interstates in Illinois, from 65 miles per hour to 70 milesper hour.