Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2015”.
Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2015
A BILL
To amend title 23, United States Code, to reduce injuries and deaths caused by cell phone use and texting while driving, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Distracted driving grants
In general— Section 405(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1) by striking “in paragraphs (2) and (3)” and inserting “in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)”;
in paragraph (2)(C)—
in clause (i) by striking “fine” and inserting “penalty”; and
in clause (ii) by striking “fines” and inserting “penalties”;
in paragraph (3)—
in subparagraph (B) by striking “offense;” and inserting “offense; and”;
by striking subparagraph (C);
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and
in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)—
in clause (i) by striking “fine” and inserting “penalty”; and
in clause (ii) by striking “fines” and inserting “penalties”;
by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
“(4) Prohibition on handheld cell phone use while driving—A State statute meets the requirements set forth in this paragraph if the statute—
“(A) prohibits a driver from holding a personal wireless communications device to conduct a telephone call while driving;
“(B) allows the use of a hands-free device by a driver, other than a driver who has not attained the age of 18 years, for initiating, conducting, or receiving a telephone call;
“(C) makes violation of the law a primary offense; and
“(D) establishes—
“(i) a minimum penalty for a first violation of the law; and
“(ii) increased penalties for repeat violations.”
in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this subsection) by striking “in paragraphs (2) and (3)” and inserting “in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)”; and
in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this subsection)—
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
“(B) Penalty—The term penalty means—
“(i) a fine;
“(ii) a number of points to be included on a driver’s record; or
“(iii) an action taken by a State that is substantially similar to including points on a driver’s record.”
Applicability— The amendments made in subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 3 Research program
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a research program to study distracted driving by motor vehicle drivers.
Scope— The program established under subsection (a) shall include studies with respect to—
driver behavior;
vehicle technology; and
portable electronic devices that are commonly brought into motor vehicles.
Research agreements—
In general— In carrying out this section, the Secretary may grant research contracts to nongovernmental entities to study distracted driving.
Limitations— The Secretary may not grant a research contract under this section to any person that produces or sells—
electronic equipment that is used in motor vehicles;
portable electronic equipment commonly brought into motor vehicles; or
motor vehicles.
Report— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the program established under subsection (a).
Sec. 4 FCC report on distracted driving technology
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that identifies—
data the Commission can collect and analyze that will assist in understanding and reducing the problem of distracted driving involving the use of personal wireless communications devices;
existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving; and
existing authority that the Commission may use to assist in reducing problems associated with distracted driving.