You need to know that Indiana’s hands‑free law bars you from holding a cellphone or similar device while driving and lets you use only hands‑free or voice‑activated tech, with limited exceptions for emergencies, because the state views this as essential to reducing distraction‑related crashes; penalties can include fines and points on your record, and understanding the scope, exceptions, and proof issues will affect how you respond if you’re stopped or involved in a crash — keep reading to learn what’s allowed, what isn’t, and how enforcement works.
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Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s hands-free law, effective July 1, 2020, prohibits holding mobile devices while driving.
- Drivers using phones are up to six times more likely to crash.
- Hands-free technologies like Bluetooth and voice commands are permitted.
- Violations are Class C infractions with fines up to $500.
- 18,887 citations issued in 2024 show increased enforcement.
Why Did Indiana Pass the Hands-Free Law?
Indiana enacted its Hands-Free Law on July 1, 2020, to curb rising distracted driving deaths and crashes that the prior 2011 texting ban failed to address effectively.
You face heightened risks when holding phones—texting drivers are 2 to 6 times more likely to crash, eyes off the road for seconds equaling a football field at 55 mph.
Bipartisan support simplified enforcement, banning handheld devices while allowing hands free benefits like Bluetooth or voice tech for calls.
This targets nationwide fatalities over 3,100 in 2020, promoting safer Hoosier roads.
What Does Indiana’s Hands-Free Law Prohibit?
You can’t hold or manually use a phone, tablet, or similar telecommunications device while operating a moving vehicle in Indiana; that includes texting, scrolling, dialing, or briefly checking notifications.
Hands‑free or voice‑activated systems and properly mounted devices are permitted so long as you don’t physically handle the device while driving.
The statute still lets you make emergency 911 calls and allows device use when parked or stopped outside of traffic.
Holding Devices Prohibited
| Aspect | Prohibition | Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Holding | Smartphones, tablets | Hands-free only |
| Exceptions | None routine | 911 emergencies |
| Penalties | Class C infraction | Up to $500 fine |
Violations add license points; over 18,887 citations hit in 2024. Stay focused—you can’t touch devices in motion.
Hands-Free Exceptions
A hands‑free rule bars you from holding or manually operating a telecommunications device while driving, though it expressly permits voice activated technology, Bluetooth, or properly mounted hands free devices, and emergency 911 calls when hands‑free use isn’t possible.
You can use voice commands for calls, texting, emailing, or apps without touching your phone.
Mount devices securely on your dashboard or vent for navigation.
Police can’t confiscate your phone without consent or search data without a warrant.
You’re free to use devices fully when parked or stopped outside traffic.
Emergency Call Exception
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law prohibits you from holding or manually operating telecommunications devices—like smartphones or tablets—while your vehicle moves, but it carves out a clear exception for emergency 911 calls where hands-free use isn’t feasible.
You can grip your phone to dial 911 or contact emergency services if a road hazard demands immediate 911 accessibility, ensuring you report dangers without delay.
This override prioritizes public safety over the general ban, allowing handheld use only in genuine crises while your vehicle operates.
Violators face fines up to $500 otherwise, but you’re protected here to save lives.
Exceptions to the Hands-Free Driving Ban
Drivers, you can use hands-free or voice-activated technology to operate devices without violating Indiana’s hands-free ban.
You’re also exempt for emergency calls to 911, even while driving.
Device usage is permitted when your vehicle is parked or stopped outside traffic.
Use Bluetooth headsets or dashboard mounts to comply fully.
The law prohibits holding devices for texting, emailing, or scrolling apps, so understand these legal implications to avoid infractions.
Stay safe by sticking to these exceptions—you’ll keep your focus on the road and evade penalties.
Penalties for Violating the Law
| Penalty Enforcement | Violation Consequences |
|---|---|
| Fines | Up to $500 per offense |
| Points | Four added since 2021 |
| Citations | Over 18,887 in 2024 |
| Insurance | Premium hikes |
| Goal | Deter distracted driving |
Penalty enforcement ramps up to curb risks—you’ll pay for ignoring violation consequences. Drive hands-free.
Enforcement Trends and Citation Statistics
In 2024, you’ll encounter heightened enforcement of Indiana’s hands-free law, as officers issued a record 18,887 citations—up from 14,582 in 2022 and 14,957 in 2023—alongside thousands of warnings.
This citation surge reflects a steady enforcement uptick since the law’s July 2021 rollout, when over 5,000 citations and 10,000 warnings were logged in the first year alone.
You must comply fully, as persistent phone use at stoplights or in traffic underscores ongoing challenges despite these efforts.
Citation Surge 2024
Although enforcement began with warnings, Indiana escalated to routine citations under the hands-free law and issued a record 18,887 tickets in 2024. This reflects a marked enforcement surge as the state confronts rising roadway fatalities and persistent distraction-related crashes.
You face fines up to $500 and four points on your record for violations, potentially leading to license suspension. This citation impact underscores the law effectiveness in curbing distractions amid 949 deaths in 2022.
You’re urged to use hands-free tech—you’ll avoid penalties and help reduce over 17,000 annual crashes from distraction and speeding. Stay focused; your compliance saves lives.
Enforcement Uptick Trends
Because enforcement has shifted from warnings to routine citations, you’ll now see a clear upward trend in hands‑free enforcement across Indiana, with law enforcement issuing over 5,000 citations and 10,000 warnings in the law’s first year and a record 18,887 citations in 2024 as agencies responded to rising distraction‑related crashes and fatalities.
By July 1, 2021, you’ll face Class C infraction fines up to $500.
Indiana State Police ramp up patrols to tackle enforcement challenges amid 17,000+ crashes and 230 deaths in 2024, boosting public awareness and compliance to curb distracted driving deaths.
Distracted Driving Statistics in Indiana
Distracted driving claims numerous lives and causes thousands of crashes annually in Indiana. You’ve seen over 1,500 crashes tied to cell phone use in just three years, with texting drivers 2 to 6 times more likely to crash than others. At 55 mph, a five-second distraction lets you blind-drive a football field’s length. Post-hands-free law, officers issued over 5,000 citations and 10,000 warnings, yet you often spot violations at stoplights. Raise your distraction awareness to improve driving safety—stay hands-free, eyes on the road.
National Data Supporting Hands-Free Laws
States with hands-free laws have seen an average 16% decrease in traffic fatalities, and twelve out of fifteen such states reported reductions.
You’ll increase your crash risk by 2 to 6 times if you manipulate your cellphone while driving, and texting distracts you for five seconds—the equivalent of driving a football field blindfolded at 55 mph.
Distracted driving contributed to over 3,100 U.S. deaths in 2020, proving these laws save lives.
Driver Fatality Reductions
National studies show that states with hands-free laws achieve an average 16% reduction in traffic fatalities, proving these regulations’ effectiveness in boosting road safety.
You improve driver behavior by avoiding cellphone manipulation, which makes you 2 to 6 times more likely to crash. Texting distracts you for five seconds—traveling a football field’s length at 55 mph blindfolded.
In 2020, over 3,100 U.S. deaths stemmed from distracted driving. Hands-free laws in 15 states cut fatalities, heightening your safety awareness and curbing deadly risks.
Crash Risk Factors
- Adopt crash prevention strategies like voice commands to stay focused.
- Support driver education initiatives that pledge distraction-free roads.
- Recognize texting drivers cause most accidents, per National Safety Council data.
Go hands-free—you control the risk.
Proving Distracted Driving in Accidents
Proving distracted driving in Indiana accidents demands concrete evidence like cellphone records, which confirm texting, calling, or app usage at crash time via subpoena.
You’ll pursue evidence collection through subpoenas for cellphone records, police reports noting erratic driving, and witness statements identifying phone use to establish driver accountability.
You can obtain dashcam or surveillance footage showing the driver’s actions and request vehicle data (EDR/telematics) that reveal sudden braking or swerving.
Preserve all physical and digital evidence promptly to avoid spoliation.
Work with investigators and attorneys to chain evidence, authenticate records, and present a concise, legally admissible case.
Hands-Free Technology Options for Drivers
- Use Bluetooth headsets or vehicle audio systems for calls.
- Mount your phone on a dash cradle and preprogram navigation.
- Prefer built‑in voice controls and “Do Not Disturb” modes for minimal distraction.
How Legal Help Can Assist After a Crash
If a crash occurs despite your use of hands-free technology, experienced attorneys help you navigate Indiana’s distracted driving laws.
You should secure legal representation promptly to preserve evidence and guide an accident investigation. Lawyers can obtain cell‑phone records, surveillance and police reports to show whether phone use contributed to the collision.
They’ll challenge improperly issued hands‑free citations, seek reduced penalties, and defend your driving privileges.
If you’re injured, attorneys pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and damages through negotiation or court.
Legal counsel also explains fines, points, and insurance consequences and advises practical next steps.
State-by-State Distracted Driving Laws: Texting Bans, Handheld Rules & Penalties
| Alabama | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; primary enforcement with fines for violations. |
| Alaska | Handheld phone use prohibited for all drivers; texting is banned; escalating fines apply. |
| Arizona | Texting while driving is banned; handheld phone use discouraged with primary enforcement and penalties. |
| Arkansas | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted with fines and points on license. |
| California | Strict texting and handheld phone ban for all drivers; hands-free required with significant fines. |
| Colorado | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; fines for primary enforcement. |
| Connecticut | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement with tiered fines. |
| Delaware | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; hands-free recommended with penalties. |
| Florida | No texting while driving; handheld phone use restricted in school/zones; fines apply for violations. |
| Georgia | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone restrictions with secondary enforcement and fines. |
| Hawaii | Statewide texting ban; handheld use restrictions; hands-free strongly advised with penalties. |
| Idaho | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged with fines and points. |
| Illinois | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use limited; primary enforcement rights granted to police. |
| Iowa | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement with financial penalties. |
| Kansas | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited for novice drivers; restrictions and fines apply. |
| Kentucky | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld devices for all drivers; penalties and points apply. |
| Louisiana | Texting prohibited; limited handheld use restrictions; fines and ticketing enforced. |
| Maine | Texting and handheld phone bans in place; primary enforcement with fines and points. |
| Maryland | Statewide texting ban; handheld phone use restricted; graduated fines for violations. |
| Massachusetts | Texting and handheld restrictions; primary enforcement with escalating penalties. |
| Michigan | Texting while driving banned; handheld use discouraged; fines and potential points apply. |
| Minnesota | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Mississippi | Texting ban and phone restrictions; enforcement with fines and possible points. |
| Missouri | Texting disallowed; handheld phone restrictions; fines and citations follow violation. |
| Montana | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld use limitations enforced with penalties. |
| Nebraska | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone restrictions apply with graduated fines. |
| Nevada | Texting and handheld phone use banned; hands-free strongly recommended with penalties. |
| New Hampshire | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged; enforcement with fines and tickets. |
| New Jersey | Texting and handheld phone use banned; primary enforcement; significant penalties apply. |
| New Mexico | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld device use; fines and enforcement in effect. |
| New York | Strict texting and handheld phone bans; primary enforcement; high penalties for violations. |
| North Carolina | Texting and handheld use prohibited; enforcement leads to fines and possible license actions. |
| North Dakota | Texting banned; handheld phone use restricted; tickets issued for violations. |
| Ohio | Texting and handheld phone bans; handheld use restricted; fines and points apply. |
| Oklahoma | Texting prohibited; some handheld phone use restrictions; citations and fines enforced. |
| Oregon | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement and fines apply. |
| Pennsylvania | Texting and handheld use banned; hands-free preferred with penalties for violations. |
| Rhode Island | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; primary enforcement with fines. |
| South Carolina | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone use restricted with fines and enforcement. |
| South Dakota | Texting while driving banned; handheld phone rules enforced with penalties. |
| Tennessee | Texting and handheld limits in place; fines assessed for violations. |
| Texas | Texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; citations and fines for distracted driving violations. |
| Utah | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement includes fines. |
| Vermont | Texting ban and handheld phone limitations; fines apply for violations. |
| Virginia | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Washington | Strict texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; high enforcement and fines. |
| West Virginia | Texting prohibited; handheld use restrictions; penalties enforced with fines. |
| Wisconsin | Texting and handheld phone bans; enforcement with fines and possible license points. |
| Wyoming | Texting ban in place; handheld phone use restricted; citations issued for violations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Distracted Driving Law in Indiana?
Indiana’s distracted driving law prohibits you from holding mobile devices while driving, except in emergencies; use hands-free tech instead. Distracted driving penalties include up to $500 fines and 4 points on your license. Texting regulations fall under this hands-free rule.
What Is the New Cell Phone Law in Indiana?
Like a knight gripping reins too tight, you crash—Indiana’s cell phone law bans you from holding devices while driving; use hands-free only. Texting restrictions prohibit manual use; cell phone penalties hit $500 fines, 4 points on your license.
Am I Allowed to Touch My Phone While Driving?
No, you can’t touch your phone while driving. Indiana’s Hands-Free Law bans phone usage that involves holding it, except for 911 emergencies or hands-free tech, to boost driving safety and cut distractions.
What Is the 48 Hour Rule in Indiana?
If you hit a guardrail causing $1,200 damage but don’t report it, you’ll face Indiana penalties like fines up to $500 or jail. You’re required to report accidents with injury, death, or over $1,000 damage to BMV within 10 days; 48 hour exemptions apply only to minor vehicle-only crashes.
Conclusion
You keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road—Indiana’s Hands-Free Law demands it since 2020, banning handheld devices except for 911 emergencies. You’re risking a $500 fine, license points, and higher insurance if you don’t. You’ve seen citations surge to 18,887 in 2024 amid rising crashes and deaths; don’t let distraction claim your next moment. Adopt hands-free tech—you drive safer, others live.
