7/18/05-Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law July 15 prohibiting any person who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving. It exempts emergency phone calls.
Unlike many similar efforts, the new law does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.
It applies only to drivers under age 18. Violators will face a $75 fine.
The new rule, previously SB210, follows a recent study by the University of Utah that found that when drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 talk on cell phones, they drive like elderly people – moving and reacting more slowly and increasing their risk of accidents.

5/26/05-The Senate gave final approval to a bill May 25 that would prohibit any person under age 18 who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving.
SB210, which passed the House a week ago, now heads to Gov. Rod Blagojevich for his signature.
Sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, the bill does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.
It would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517.

5/24/05-House lawmakers voted 108-26 May 19 to advance a bill that would prohibit any person under age 18 who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for approval of House changes before heading to Gov. Rod Blagojevich for his signature.
SB210, sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.
It would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517.

4/26/05-The Senate voted 38-19 on April 14 to approve a bill that would prohibit any person who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving. It is now before the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee.
SB210, sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.
The bill would exempt emergency calls.
It recently was amended to apply only to drivers under age 18.
For Senate bill status, call (217) 782-4517.

2/10/05-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would prohibit any person who has a driver’s permit or a graduated license from using a cell phone while driving. The bill would allow use of the phones in emergencies, such as calling police or an ambulance.
SB210, sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, does not make an exception for phones used in conjunction with a “hands-free” device.
For Senate bill status, call (217) 782-4517.