COLUMBUS, OH – A new state law in Ohio today allows police to give drivers tickets simply for holding a cell phone.
“As of today, April 4, 2023, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other body parts while driving on Ohio roads,” the Ohio State Police said today. “If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over. In most cases, anything more than a single touch or swipe is against the law.”
According to the new law, drivers over 18 and older can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including speakerphones, earpieces, wireless headsets, and electronic watches.
Hands-free calls are allowed as long as you don’t physically hold the phone.
“This new law allows drivers over 18 to make or receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle, as long as you don’t hold or support the device or manually enter letters, numbers, or symbols,” the OSP said. “If you must physically manipulate your device, you should pull over to a safe location and park your car before handling.”