Illinois Cellphone Ban for Commercial Drivers Takes Effect

Commercial drivers in Illinois are banned from using hand held cellphones while driving, as of this month, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.

Exempt from the new law are recreational vehicles for personal use, military vehicles, fire trucks, and police and other emergency-response vehicles.

“People are tragically injured and killed in work zones and by commercial motor vehicles due to distracted driving,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider.

“Cellphone distractions have been proven to be as dangerous as drinking and driving. These laws will stiffen distracted driving laws and save lives,” she said in a statement.