ORDINANCE NO. 03-13

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HILLSDALE

ENTITLED “REGULATION OF THE USE OF CELL PHONES

IN MOTOR VEHICLES.”

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

MOBILE TELEPHONE: The device used by subscribers and other users of wireless telephone service to access such service.

WIRELESS TELEPHONE SERVICE: Two-way real time voice telecommunications service that is interconnected to a public switched telephone network and is provided by a commercial mobile radio service.

USING: Shall mean holding a mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of, the user’s ear.

HAND-HELD MOBILE TELEPHONE: A mobile telephone with which a user engages in a call using at least one hand.

HANDS-FREE MOBILE TELEPHONE: A mobile telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a call without the use of either hand, whether or not the use of either hand is necessary to activate, deactivate or initiate a function of such telephone.

ENGAGE IN A CALL: Talking into or listening on a hand-held mobile telephone, but shall not include holding a mobile telephone to deactivate or initiate a function of such telephone.

IMMEDIATE PROXIMITY: The distance that permits the operator of a mobile telephone to hear telecommunications transmitted over such mobile telephone, but shall not require physical contact with such operator’s ear.

SECTION 2. PROHIBITED USES.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion.

B. An operator of a motor vehicle who holds a mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of his or her ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call within the meaning of this section. The presumption established by this subdivision is rebutable by evidence tending to show that the operator was not engaged in a call.

C. The provisions of this section shall not be construed as authorizing the seizure or forfeiture of a mobile telephone, unless otherwise provided by law.

SECTION 3. EXCEPTIONS.

A. Subdivision two of this section shall not apply to:

A. The use of a mobile telephone for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation; an emergency response operator, a hospital physician’s office or health clinic; an ambulance company or corps; a fire department; district or company; or a police department;

B. Any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties; a police officer or peace officer; a member of a fire department, district or company; or the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle;

C. The use of a hands-free mobile telephone.

SECTION 4. PENALTIES.

A violation of subdivision two of this section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.

APPROVED: July 8, 2003

_____________________________

Max L. Arnowitz, Acting-Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________

Robert P. Sandt, RMC/CMC

Borough Clerk