Effective Jan 1, 2010, drivers in the State of IL can't use a laptop while in motion, exemption to law enforcement, fire and EMS services. Friend of mine got pinched by local PD just for having WX screen running while in motion. This goes hand-in-hand with the "no texting" law under same statute.
Nice try, Will:
Illinois Vehicle Code Ch. 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 states
Electronic communication devices: As used in this Section "Electronic communication device" means an electronic device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer while being used for the purpose of composing, reading, or sending an electronic message, but does not include a global positioning system or navigation system or a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.
"Electronic message" means a self‑contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. "Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site.
A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message. A violation of this Section is an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles.
This Section does not apply to a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties, a driver using an electronic communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation or a driver using an electronic communication device in hands‑free or voice‑activated mode or a driver of a commercial motor vehicle reading a message displayed on a permanently installed communication device designed for a commercial motor vehicle with a screen that does not exceed 10 inches tall by 10 inches wide in size, a driver using an electronic communication device while parked on the shoulder of a roadway or a driver using an electronic communication device when the vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the driver has the motor vehicle transmission in neutral or park.
Your friend who got the ticket for viewing the WX screen should contact the village prosecutor or the local corporation counsel and show him the statute. This law is specifically prohibiting TEXTING, not just using your computer for news gathering, storm chasing, etc. Hopefully the cop was just ill-informed and not intentionally being a jerk. Everyone makes mistakes but intentionally writing a wrong citation borders on Official Misconduct.
