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2017 Utah Code
Title 41 - Motor Vehicles
Chapter 6a - Traffic Code
Part 17 - Miscellaneous Rules
Section 1716 - Prohibition on using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
Universal Citation: UT Code § 41-6a-1716 (2017)
Effective 5/13/2014
41-6a-1716. Prohibition on using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
Amended by Chapter 416, 2014 General Session
41-6a-1716. Prohibition on using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
- (1) As used in this section:
- (a) "Handheld wireless communication device" means a handheld device used for the transfer of information without the use of electrical conductors or wires.
- (b) "Handheld wireless communication device" includes a:
- (i) wireless telephone;
- (ii) text messaging device;
- (iii) laptop; or
- (iv) any substantially similar communication device that is readily removable from the vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input.
- (2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person may not use a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state to manually:
- (a) write, send, or read a written communication, including:
- (i) a text message;
- (ii) an instant message; or
- (iii) electronic mail;
- (b) dial a phone number;
- (c) access the Internet;
- (d) view or record video; or
- (e) enter data into a handheld wireless communication device.
- (a) write, send, or read a written communication, including:
- (3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit a person from using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle:
- (a) when using a handheld communication device for voice communication;
- (b) to view a global positioning or navigation device or a global positioning or navigation application;
- (c) during a medical emergency;
- (d) when reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety hazard;
- (e) when reporting criminal activity or requesting assistance relating to a criminal activity;
- (f) when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency service personnel's employment; or
- (g) to operate:
- (i) hands-free or voice operated technology; or
- (ii) a system that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.
- (4) A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a:
- (a) class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100; or
- (b) class B misdemeanor if the person:
- (i) has also inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of using a handheld wireless communication device in violation of this section while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state; or
- (ii) has a prior conviction under this section, that is within three years of:
- (A) the current conviction under this section; or
- (B) the commission of the offense upon which the current conviction is based.
Amended by Chapter 416, 2014 General Session
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