SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) says a bill passed by the Senate Thursday to ban use of cell phones while driving is full of loopholes and will be difficult for law enforcement to put into effect.  

House Bill 1247 bans the use of cell phones while driving, unless being used with a hands free device.  It passed the Senate 34-20 Thursday.

The legislation allows drivers to use a phone if only one button must be pushed for operation.

“If a driver pushes more than two buttons, they can be fined and ticketed,” said Senator Syverson. “But, I fear that this will be incredibly difficult for police to enforce, even though it’s up to a driver to prove they’ve only touched the phone one time.”

Syverson says there are many loopholes in the legislation as well.

HB 1247 allows a Global Positioning System to be used, even if it is on the wireless device. It also allows drivers to use a phone to play and even search for music.

“This legislation another example of big brother and will do nothing to stop drivers from being distracted while on the road,” said Syverson.