Arkansas § 6-19-120 - Operation of a school bus while using a cellular telephone — Definitions.

§ 6-19-120. Operation of a school bus while using a cellular telephone — Definitions.

As used in this section: “Cellular telephone” means a wireless two-way communication device that requires the operator to dial numbers manually and that: 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 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 “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. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person shall not operate a school bus while using a cellular telephone. This section does not apply to the use of a cellular telephone: For the purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: An emergency system response operator or 911 public safety communications dispatcher; A hospital or emergency room; A physician's office or health clinic; An ambulance or fire department rescue service; A fire department, fire protection district, or volunteer fire department; or A police department; To call for assistance if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem impairing the operation of the bus; or When the school bus is parked. 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). 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: Central dispatch; or The school transportation or its equivalent.