Bill Text: DE HB356 | 2015-2016 | 148th General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: An Act To Amend Title 21 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Special License Or Registration Plates.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-06-08 - Amendment HA 1 - Introduced and Placed With Bill [HB356 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2015-HB356-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Rep. Hudson & Sen. Poore;
	Reps. D. Short, Briggs King, Collins, Spiegelman, Wilson, Bennett, Carson, Paradee, B. Short; Sens. Hall-Long, Hocker, Lavelle, Lopez, Sokola

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 356

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SPECIAL LICENSE OR REGISTRATION PLATES.

WHEREAS, a recent national survey found that 7 in 10 people use their smartphone while driving; and

WHEREAS, studies show that those who use electronic communication devices while driving are much more likely to be in a crash; and

WHEREAS, sending or reading a text takes a driver's eyes off the road for 5 seconds.If travelling at 55 mph, this equals traveling the length of a football field without looking at the road; and

WHEREAS in 2014, 63 automobile accidents in Delaware were attributed to use of electronic communication devices while driving, and 12,394 drivers were cited in Delaware for use of electronic communication devices while driving, and in 2015,57 automobile accidents in Delaware were attributed to use of electronic communication devices while driving, and 12,237 drivers were cited in Delaware for use of electronic communication devices while driving; and

WHEREAS, creating a special license plate that reminds motorists not to use electronic devices and drive will deliver an important public safety message while motorists are traveling on Delaware's roadways; and

WHEREAS, the license plate will help promote the "It Can Wait" campaign to share the simple message to keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (Three-fifths of all members elected to each house thereof concurring therein):

Section 1.Amend Chapter 21, Title 21 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 2139T.Special license plates urging motorists not to use electronic devices and drive.

(a)     The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special "Eyes on the road" registration plate, provided that at least 100 such applications are received by the Division.

(b)     This section applies only to:

(1)     A private passenger vehicle; or

(2)     A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity; or

(3)     A van with a 3.4-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity.

(c)     Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a fee of $35, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title.This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special pate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if such members are exempt from registration fees under §159 of this title.A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate.

(d)     The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section.Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.

(e)     The funds derived by the State from that portion of the initial fee of $35 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Office of Highway Safety to raise public awareness about the dangers of using electronic devices and driving.

(f)      All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles.The numbers andletters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to these vehicles.No special numbers or letters will be authorized for these plates.

(g)     The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

SYNOPSIS

This bill creates a special license plate urging motorists not to use electronic devices and drive.Having these plates visible on Delaware's roadways will help raise public awareness and encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phones.