On April 4, a new law came into effect in Ohio that seeks to limit distracted driving. Law enforcement will issue warnings until October 5, when they will begin issuing citations for violating the law. This law makes it illegal to use or hold an electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving. While distracted driving was previously only a primary offense for juvenile drivers and a secondary offense for adult drivers, this new law designates distracted driving as a primary traffic offense for all drivers. 

With the passage of this law, adults are generally prohibited from using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic device with any part of their body. Adult drivers can still use electronic devices for calls and navigation, but must do so using hands-free devices or only using a single touch or swipe. This means drivers can’t manually enter letters, numbers, or symbols into a device while driving. With a few exceptions, such as using electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or to report an emergency to law enforcement, anything that involves using, holding, or supporting a device while driving is prohibited. For instance, video calls, dialing a phone number, and recording video are all off-limits. 

For drivers under 18, the law does not change any of the restrictions on using electronic devices. Teenagers remain unable to use any electronic device while driving, even while using hands free devices or sitting at a traffic light or traffic jam. However, drivers under 18 can still use electronic devices for navigation, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Additionally, teenage drivers can use electronic devices for emergency purposes or if stationary and outside a lane of travel.

For more information about Ohio’s new distracted driving law, view the law itself or its website.