Telecommunications devices and driver-record points

Explanation

Indiana’s definition includes electronic or digital devices such as wireless phones, personal digital assistants, pagers and text-messaging devices. Properly licensed CB radio operation and the specified heavy-commercial-vehicle communication system are excluded.

Using a telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle may cause points to be assessed on the driver record.

Example

A wireless phone and a pager both fit the listed definition. Qualifying CB radio equipment used by a properly FCC-licensed operator does not.

Common mistake

Assuming device violations cannot affect the driving record. The manual says points may be assessed.

What the manual says

Indiana law defines a telecommunications device as an electronic or digital device, such as a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or text messaging device.

You may be assessed points on your driver record when using a telecommunication device while operating a motor vehicle.