(a) As used in this section: (1) 'Cellular telephone' means a wireless two-way communication device that requires the operator to dial numbers manually and that:(A) Includes radio-telephone communications used in cellular telephone service, personal communication service, or the functional equivalent of a radio-telephone communications line used in cellular telephone service or a personal communication service; and(B) Does not include a citizens band radio, a citizens band radio hybrid, or any device with push-to-talk capabilities used in a similar manner as a citizens band radio or a citizens band radio hybrid; and(2) 'School bus' means every motor vehicle owned by a public school district or operated under contract for a public school district and used for the transportation of children to or from school or school-sponsored activities.(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person shall not operate a school bus while using a cellular telephone.(c) This section does not apply to the use of a cellular telephone: (1) For the purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: (A) An emergency system response operator or 911 on does not apply to the use of a cellular telephone: (1) For the purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: (A) An emergency system response operator or 911 public safety communications dispatcher;(B) A hospital or emergency room;(C) A physician's office or health clinic;(D) An ambulance or fire department rescue service;(E) A fire department, fire protection district, or volunteer fire department; or(F) A police department;(2) To call for assistance if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem impairing the operation of the bus; or(3) When the school bus is parked.(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a violation and may be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).(e) Except as otherwise provided under law, a person operating a school bus may use a two-way radio communications device or any device used in a similar manner as a two-way radio communications device as a means of communicating with:(1) Central dispatch; or(2) The school transportation or its equivalent.Amended by Act 2019, No. 577,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. 577,§ 1, eff. device as a means of communicating with:(1) Central dispatch; or(2) The school transportation or its equivalent.Amended by Act 2019, No. 577,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.Amended by Act 2019, No. 577,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.Acts 2003, No. 219, § 1.
Arkansas Legal Code