(1) 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
(2) 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
(3) “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.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person shall not operate a school bus while using a cellular telephone.
(5) 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;
(6) A hospital or emergency room;
(7) A physician's office or health clinic;
(8) An ambulance or fire department rescue service;
(9) A fire department, fire protection district, or volunteer fire department; or
(10) A police department;
(11) To call for assistance if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem impairing the operation of the bus; or
(12) When the school bus is parked.
(13) 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).
(14) 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
(15) The school transportation or its equivalent.