Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2015

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. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2015 2. Distracted driving grants (a) In general Section 405(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking in paragraphs (2) and (3) in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) (2) in paragraph (2)(C)— (A) in clause (i) by striking fine penalty (B) in clause (ii) by striking fines penalties (3) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking offense; offense; and (B) by striking subparagraph (C); (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and (D) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)— (i) in clause (i) by striking fine penalty (ii) in clause (ii) by striking fines penalties (4) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively; (5) 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. ; (6) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this subsection) by striking in paragraphs (2) and (3) in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) (7) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this subsection)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) Penalty The term penalty (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. . (b) 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. 3. Research program (a) 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. (b) Scope The program established under subsection (a) shall include studies with respect to— (1) driver behavior; (2) vehicle technology; and (3) portable electronic devices that are commonly brought into motor vehicles. (c) Research agreements (1) In general In carrying out this section, the Secretary may grant research contracts to nongovernmental entities to study distracted driving. (2) Limitations The Secretary may not grant a research contract under this section to any person that produces or sells— (A) electronic equipment that is used in motor vehicles; (B) portable electronic equipment commonly brought into motor vehicles; or (C) motor vehicles. (d) 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). 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— (1) 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; (2) existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving; and (3) existing authority that the Commission may use to assist in reducing problems associated with distracted driving.

Summary: Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2015 The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall award distracted driving grants to states that enact and enforce a statute that: prohibits a driver from using a hand-held personal wireless communications device (such as a cell phone or smart phone) to call while driving, allows the use of a hands-free device by a driver (other than under age 18) to call, makes violation of the law a primary offense, and establishes certain minimum penalties for first violations and increased penalties for repeat violations. The DOT shall establish a research program to study distracted driving by motor vehicle drivers. The Federal Communications Commission shall report to Congress on existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving.