Drivers would face penalties for prohibited phone use while driving

Drivers would have to park before using a mobile device unless an exception applies. The rule would apply on streets and highways. Exceptions would allow voice controls, hands-free navigation, and built-in vehicle systems. Certain emergency, police, and probation drivers would be exempt while working officially, along with specified radio users. Drivers could report crimes or seek emergency help. The specific work exception for relaying information to a dispatcher or app would require a device attached to the vehicle.

Violations would carry civil fines, and the state would assign three traffic points when it receives a conviction report. These penalties would apply to violations of the mobile-device driving rule. If one event results in multiple convictions, only the conviction with the most points would count.

Police would need grounds beyond a suspected violation to search or take a person's phone.