Cell Phone Driving Laws by State
Find out if there are any cell phone restrictions where you drive
For many, wireless communications has delivered on the promise of the untethered life by allowing us to stay in touch wherever we are and whenever we want. And for an increasingly mobile culture, "where" and “when” is often in the car. As with any activity you engage in when behind the wheel, using your cell phone while driving can pose potential risks. Already some states have mandated the use of hands free phone kits while driving for all drivers, while other states have laws for new drivers, and many states still have similar legislation pending.
Not sure where your state stands on driving and using cell phones? Here’s a list of how individual states are dealing with the issue and more specifically how it affects you. In most cases, you can still use a phone during emergency situations. Many states have laws about bus drivers using cell phones while driving that are not listed here. If you don’t see your state listed below, it simply means there is currently no cell phone driving laws on the books. If you want the latest and most current information on the topic, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- California
Beginning in July 2008, teens with learner’s permits can’t talk on cell phones, send text messages, or use other interactive electronic devices while driving. Simultaneously, all drivers need to use hands-free devices while driving.
- Colorado
Drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while driving.
- Connecticut
Hands-free devices are required while using a phone while driving.
- Delaware
Drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while operating a car.
- District of Columbia
All drivers must use a hands-free device while operating a car. Additionally, drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while operating a car.
- Florida
Drivers can use a cell phone while operating a car as long as the sound goes through only one ear; the other ear must be kept free to hear surrounding sound.
- Illinois
Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while operating a car. Additional restrictions may exist by jurisdiction.
- Maine
Drivers with a learner’s permit or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use a cell phone while driving.
- Maryland
Drivers with a learner’s/intermediate permit or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use a cell phone while driving.
- Massachusetts
Drivers can use the cell phone while driving as long as it does not get in the way of the vehicle's operation and one hand is on the wheel at all times.
- Minnesota
Drivers with a learner’s permit or under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving.
- Nebraska
Beginning in January 2008, teens with provision, learner's, or school permits can’t talk on cell phones, send text messages, or use other interactive electronic devices while driving.
- New Hampshire
Cell phone use while driving is not forbidden, but fines are imposed on drivers who cause accidents while on the phone.
- New Jersey
Drivers need to use a hands-free devices while driving, but the measure can only be enforced when the driver is violating another law. Additionally, drivers under age 21 or those on a graduate license permit/provisional license can’t use a phone while operating a vehicle.
- New Mexico
Drivers of state vehicles must use a hands-free device when using a cell phone while driving. Both students and instructors in driver education situations are forbidden from using cell phones in the course of behind-the-wheel training. Additional restrictions may exist by jurisdiction.
- New York
Hands-free devices are required while using a phone while driving.
- North Carolina
Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving, except to call 911 or parents.
- Ohio
Currently, there are no state laws, however, laws may vary by jurisdiction.
- Oregon
Beginning in January 2008, drivers with a learner's permit and intermediate license holders can’t use a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
- Pennsylvania
Currently, there are no state laws, however, laws may vary by jurisdiction.
- Rhode Island
Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving.
- Tennessee
Drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license can’t use a cell phone while driving on a highway.
- Texas
Drivers with a learner’s permit/intermediate license or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use any handheld wireless device while driving.
- Utah
State law covers "careless driving" offenses, such as when a driver commits a traffic violation while, for example, holding a cell phone.
- Virginia
Drivers with intermediate licenses can’t use a cell phone or headset while driving.
- Washington
Beginning in January 2008, drivers can’t compose or send text messages while driving. Starting July 2008, hands-free devices will be required for cell phone use while driving.
- West Virginia
Drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license can’t use a cell phone while driving.
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