PRINTER'S NO. 482
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
461
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY DeLUCA, SAMUELSON AND SCHLOSSBERG,
FEBRUARY 13, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 13, 2017
AN ACT
Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in rules of the road in general, further providing
for prohibiting text-based communications.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 3316 of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:
ยง 3316. Prohibiting text-based communications.
(a) Prohibition.--No driver shall operate a motor vehicle on
a highway or trafficway in this Commonwealth while using an
interactive wireless communications device to send, read or
write a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion.
A person does not send, read or write a text-based communication
when the person reads, selects or enters a telephone number or
name in an interactive wireless communications device for the
purpose of activating or deactivating a voice communication or a
telephone call.
(b) (Reserved).
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(c) Seizure.--The provisions of this section shall not be
construed as authorizing the seizure or forfeiture of an
interactive wireless communications device, unless otherwise
provided by law.
(d) Penalty.--A person who violates subsection (a) commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay
a fine of $50.
(e) Preemption of local ordinances.--In accordance with
section 6101 (relating to applicability and uniformity of
title), this section supersedes and preempts all ordinances of
any municipality with regard to the use of an interactive
wireless communications device to send, read or write a text-
based communication by the driver of a motor vehicle.
(f) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "text-
based communication" means a text message, instant message,
electronic mail or other written communication composed or
received on an interactive wireless communications device.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20170HB0461PN0482 - 2 -
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