Sec. 34132. Distracted driving incentive grants

495 words·~2 min read·/bill/114/hr/22/eas/section-34132

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Section 405(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1), by inserting includes distracted driving issues as part of the State’s driver’s license examination and after any State that ; in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; by amending subparagraph

(C)to read as follows: establishes a minimum fine for a violation of the statute; and ; and by adding at the end the following: does not provide for an exception that specifically allows a driver to use a personal wireless communications device for texting while stopped in traffic. ; in paragraph (3)— by amending subparagraph

(A)to read as follows: prohibits the use of a personal wireless communications device while driving for drivers— younger than 18 years of age; or in the learner’s permit and intermediate license stages; ; and by striking subparagraphs

(C)and

(D)and inserting the following: establishes a minimum fine for a violation of the statute; and does not provide for an exception that specifically allows a driver to text through a personal wireless communications device while stopped in traffic. ; and in paragraph (4)— in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (C)— by striking section 31152 and inserting section 31136 ; and by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and by adding at the end the following: any additional exceptions determined by the Secretary through the rulemaking process. ; by amending paragraph

(6)to read as follows: Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use up to 50 percent of the amounts available for grants under this subsection to award grants to any State that— in fiscal year 2017— certifies that it has enacted a basic text messaging statute that— is applicable to drivers of all ages; and makes violation of the basic text messaging statute a primary offense or secondary enforcement action as allowed by State statute; and is otherwise ineligible for a grant under this subsection; and in fiscal year 2018— meets the requirements under clause (i); imposes fines for violations; and has a statute that prohibits drivers who are younger than 18 years of age from using a personal wireless communications device while driving. Notwithstanding paragraph

(5)and subject to clauses

(ii)and

(iii)of this subparagraph, amounts received by a State under subparagraph

(A)may be used for activities related to the enforcement of distracted driving laws, including for public information and awareness purposes. In fiscal year 2017, up to 15 percent of the amounts received by a State under subparagraph

(A)may be used for any eligible project or activity under section 402. In fiscal year 2018, up to 25 percent of the amounts received by a State under subparagraph

(A)may be used for any eligible project or activity under section 402. ; and in paragraph (9)(A)(i), by striking , including operation while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise .