2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE
November 30, 2017 - Introduced by Senators Vinehout and L. Taylor, cosponsored
by Representatives Barca, Spiros, Anderson, Ohnstad, Fields, Hebl,
Berceau, Considine, Pope, Sargent, Spreitzer and Subeck. Referred to
Committee on Transportation and Veterans Affairs.
SB608,1,3 1An Act to renumber and amend 346.89 (4) (a); to amend 346.95 (1) and 346.95
2(2); and to create 346.89 (4) (a) 2. and 3. of the statutes; relating to: use of
3wireless telephones while driving and providing a penalty.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill prohibits, with certain exceptions, any person from driving while using
a cellular or other wireless telephone (cellular phone). The exceptions include
certain hands-free and emergency-related use.
Current law prohibits inattentive driving of a motor vehicle, which means that
a driver of a motor vehicle may not be engaged or occupied with an activity, other than
driving the vehicle, that interferes with the safe driving of the vehicle. Persons who
violate this prohibition may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than
$400. Under current law, a person driving under an instruction permit or a
probationary license is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a cellular
phone, except to report an emergency. Also, a person is prohibited from driving a
motor vehicle while using a cellular phone in a highway construction zone, except to
report an emergency. Persons who violate either of these prohibitions may be
required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $40 for a first offense, and not less
than $50 nor more than $100 for a second or subsequent offense within one year.
This bill prohibits any person from driving while using a cellular phone. Except
in certain cases involving persons driving under an instruction permit or a
probationary license, the prohibition does not apply to any of the following: 1)
operators of authorized emergency vehicles; 2) use of certain emergency alert or

vehicle monitoring devices; 3) use of global positioning system devices; 4) certain
amateur radio operators; 5) certain use of hands-free telephones; and 6) use in
response to an emergency. Persons who violate this prohibition may be required to
forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $400.
For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be
printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
SB608,1 1Section 1 . 346.89 (4) (a) of the statutes is renumbered 346.89 (4) (a) 1. and
2amended to read:
SB608,2,63 346.89 (4) (a) 1. Subject to sub. (3), no No person who holds a probationary
4license issued under s. 343.085, or an instruction permit issued under s. 343.07,
may
5drive, as defined in s. 343.305 (1) (b), any motor vehicle while using a cellular or other
6wireless telephone, except to report an emergency.
SB608,2 7Section 2 . 346.89 (4) (a) 2. and 3. of the statutes are created to read:
SB608,2,98 346.89 (4) (a) 2. Except as provided in subd. 3., this paragraph does not apply
9to any of the following:
SB608,2,1010 a. The operator of an authorized emergency vehicle.
SB608,2,1311 b. The use of any device whose primary function is transmitting and receiving
12emergency alert messages and messages related to the operation of the vehicle or an
13accessory that is integrated into the electrical system of a vehicle.
SB608,2,1514 c. The use of a global positioning system device, including a global positioning
15system device that is integrated into a wireless telephone.
SB608,2,1916 d. An amateur radio operator who holds a valid amateur radio operator's
17license issued by the federal communications commission when he or she is using
18dedicated amateur radio 2-way radio communication equipment and observing
19proper amateur radio operating procedures.
SB608,3,4
1e. The use of a voice-operated or hands-free wireless telephone if the driver
2of the motor vehicle does not use his or her hands to operate the telephone, except
3to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the telephone, including dialing a
4telephone number.
SB608,3,55 f. The use of a wireless telephone in response to an emergency.
SB608,3,86 3. Subject to sub. (3), subd. 2. a. to e. do not apply to a person who holds a
7probationary license issued under s. 343.085 or an instruction permit issued under
8s. 343.07.
SB608,3 9Section 3 . 346.95 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB608,3,1310 346.95 (1) Any person violating s. 346.87, 346.88, 346.89 (4) (b), (4m), or (5),
11346.90 to 346.92, or 346.94 (1), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (15) may be required to forfeit
12not less than $20 nor more than $40 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor
13more than $100 for the 2nd or subsequent conviction within a year.
SB608,4 14Section 4. 346.95 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB608,3,1615 346.95 (2) Any person violating s. 346.89 (1) or, (3) (a), or (4) (a) or 346.94 (2),
16(4), or (7) may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $400.
SB608,5 17Section 5. Effective date.
SB608,3,1918 (1) This act takes effect on the first day of the 13th month beginning after
19publication.
SB608,3,2020 (End)
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