About 60,000 crashes in Ohio between 2018–2022 were linked to distracted driving, so you can’t treat phone use behind the wheel as low-risk. You’re now subject to a hands‑free rule if you’re 18 or older, but any manual input is off limits and juveniles are banned from device use outright. Penalties include fines, points, and doubled fines in work zones, so keep devices stowed to avoid costly consequences—and there’s more to reflect upon.
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Key Takeaways
- Ohio law makes using or holding an electronic wireless device while driving a primary offense enforceable by traffic stop.
- Drivers 18+ may use hands-free methods (Bluetooth, speakerphone, smartwatches) but manual input beyond a single touch or swipe is banned.
- All drivers are prohibited from manual texting, social media, or streaming while driving; multi-touch gestures are illegal.
- Drivers under 18 may not use any electronic device while driving; violations carry fines and license suspensions.
- Penalties start at a $150 fine and 2 points for a first offense, increase for repeat offenses, and are doubled in work zones.
What the Law Covers and Where It Applies
While you’re driving on any Ohio street, highway, or public property open to vehicular traffic, the law bars you from using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic wireless communication device—so dialing, texting, browsing social media, watching videos, recording, or otherwise manipulating your phone while the vehicle is moving is prohibited.
You can’t hold or support a device because distracted driving undermines driving safety and increases crash risk. Exceptions narrow but include emergency calls, using a device when the vehicle is stationary outside a lane of travel or at a stopped traffic signal, and single‑touch calls started and stopped without manual input.
Who Is Allowed to Use Hands-Free Technology
After explaining where the law bars handheld use, it’s important to specify who may rely on hands‑free technology: drivers 18 and older may make and receive calls using speakerphone, Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, or an in‑vehicle connection, but they’re limited to a single touch or swipe to initiate a call and may not manually input text or browse while driving.
| Allowed (18+) | Prohibited (All ages) |
|---|---|
| Speakerphone, Bluetooth, smartwatches | Manual texting or browsing social media |
| Single touch/swipe initiation | Multiple touches, manual entry while moving |
This clarifies hands free benefits and corrects technology misconceptions.
Prohibited Actions While Driving
Because Ohio treats phone-related tasks as primary offenses, you can’t touch, hold, or support an electronic device while driving without risking a stop or citation.
> Because Ohio treats phone-related tasks as primary offenses, you can’t touch, hold, or support an electronic device while driving without risking a stop or citation.
You’re prohibited from texting, dialing, or browsing social media while operating a vehicle, since those manual inputs and visual distractions are expressly banned under the law.
You may’t make video calls, stream or watch videos, or surf the internet while driving, and even hands-free use forbids manual entry of letters, numbers, or symbols—you must pull over to manipulate a device.
Drivers under 18 are barred entirely from electronic device use while driving.
Rules for Drivers Under 18
The state bars any electronic-device use by drivers under 18, so you can’t make calls, text, use hands‑free tech, or manipulate a screen while behind the wheel; violations carry steep, automatic penalties to deter risky behavior.
You’re looking at a $150 fine and 60-day license suspension for your first offense as a teen driver. A second offense hikes it to a $300 fine and one-year suspension.
If you hold a temporary permit or probationary license, expect even stricter penalties.
These rules boost teen driver education and distracted driving awareness, slashing accidents by enforcing focus and safer habits.
Navigation and In‑Vehicle Systems (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
You may use navigation apps and integrated systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving, but only activate, modify, or deactivate them with a single touch or swipe.
Plan your routes beforehand to avoid multi-touch gestures, which Ohio law prohibits as distractions.
Keep your focus on the road, as these hands-free activation limits, CarPlay integration rules, and Android Auto permissions guarantee safer driving.
Hands-Free Activation Limits
When you’re driving in Ohio, you may use navigation apps and in‑vehicle systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto only if activation, modification, or deactivation can be completed with a single touch or swipe; any interaction requiring more than that must wait until you’ve pulled over to a safe location.
You must rely on hands free devices to avoid distraction risks, and integrated systems that enable one‑touch control are permitted. If a task needs multi‑touch or extended attention, stop safely first.
Follow these rules:
- Use single‑touch activation only.
- Prefer voice or CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Don’t perform multi‑touch gestures.
- Pull over for complex input.
CarPlay Integration Rules
Although you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation while driving, you must activate, modify, or deactivate those systems with a single touch or swipe and avoid any multi‑touch or extended interactions until you’re safely stopped.
You should plan routes before you go and limit adjustments while moving to reduce distraction. Any physical interaction for navigation belongs to parked or stationary conditions.
Integrated tools offer CarPlay benefits and Android Auto convenience by enabling hands‑free voice control and steering‑wheel inputs, preserving focus on the road while complying with Ohio’s hands‑free limits and safety intent.
Android Auto Permissions
- Activate, modify, or deactivate apps with one touch or swipe only.
- Avoid multi-touch gestures to minimize distractions.
- Set up navigation before driving to prevent on-road manipulation.
- Enjoy hands-free functionality that adheres to Ohio regulations.
Emergency and Public Safety Exceptions
Ohio’s distracted driving law carves out key emergency and public safety exceptions that let you use your electronic device without penalty in urgent scenarios.
You can contact law enforcement, hospitals, health care providers, or fire departments during an emergency under the law’s emergency exemptions.
Public safety vehicle operators are exempt while performing official duties, and first responders and utility workers may use devices as part of job functions to maintain safety.
Public safety vehicle operators, first responders, and utility workers may use devices when required for official duties to maintain safety
You may hold a phone to your ear if the call was started or stopped with a single touch or swipe, and use devices when stationary during an emergency.
Enforcement Procedures and Officer Guidelines
When enforcing Ohio’s distracted driving statute, officers rely on direct visual observations to establish probable cause before initiating a stop and may issue citations based solely on what they see the driver doing behind the wheel. You can’t access a driver’s device without a warrant or consent, protecting privacy amid enforcement challenges. Officers report tickets to their agency, noting your race for monitoring.
- Undergo officer training to spot violations accurately.
- Impose fines up to $150, doubling in construction zones.
- Escalate penalties for repeat offenders with points and suspensions.
- Ascertain equitable enforcement through detailed reporting.
Penalties, Points, and Construction Zone Rules
If officers spot you using your phone, you’ll face escalating penalties starting with a first offense: a fine up to $150 and two points on your license.
First handheld-phone offense: up to $150 fine and 2 license points.
A second offense within two years ups it to $250 and three points.
Hit a third within two years, and you’re looking at $500, four points, and possible 90-day suspension.
Fines double in construction zones, hitting you harder where workers need focus.
First-timers, dodge fines and points by completing a distracted driving course—act fast to protect your record.
Distracted Driving Crash Data and Trends
- You’ll see distracted driving statistics showing a sustained, significant crash impact across injury and fatality metrics.
- You should expect under-reporting to obscure true trends, so official numbers are conservative.
- You’ll want continued enforcement and awareness to sustain reductions.
- Track dashboards for local trend detail.
Practical Tips to Reduce Distraction While Driving
Set your GPS or navigation app before starting your drive to eliminate on-road distractions.
Use hands-free technology like Bluetooth for calls, and plan your music playlist ahead or rely on voice commands to limit in-car tasks.
Keep your phone out of reach, pulling over safely if you must interact with it.
Safe Phone Setup
Anyone can reduce crash risk by properly configuring their phone before you drive: pair a Bluetooth headset or your car’s system so calls route hands‑free (Ohio allows hands‑free calling for drivers over 18).
You’ll improve phone accessibility and strengthen distraction management if you set navigation, enable Do Not Disturb, and mount the device out of reach before moving.
- Pair Bluetooth or CarPlay/Android Auto and test audio.
- Set destination and avoid multitouch gestures while driving.
- Place phone in a holder or glovebox to limit notifications.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb or silence calls and texts.
Plan Navigation Ahead
Plan your route with apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps before you start driving to eliminate on-road distractions.
Use navigation apps for route planning so directions are active before you move, minimizing in-drive interaction. Set destinations, alternate routes, and voice guidance while parked so you only need a single touch or swipe to start or cancel directions.
Learn your vehicle’s built-in navigation controls to avoid manual phone use. Keep your phone out of reach and pull over to a safe spot before making adjustments.
These steps reduce temptation from notifications and help you comply with Ohio’s hands‑free expectations.
Limit In-Car Tasks
When you’re behind the wheel, limit in-car tasks to only those you can complete with a single touch or swipe and rely on hands‑free connections for calls and audio so your eyes and attention stay on the road.
Minimize in-car distractions to preserve your driving focus and comply with Ohio’s hands-free law.
- Plan your route using navigation apps before starting to avoid mid-drive adjustments.
- Use Bluetooth or speakerphone for calls, initiating with one touch—no manual typing.
- Keep your phone out of reach or in a designated spot to ignore notifications.
- Pull over safely for any letter, number, or symbol input; texting or gaming skyrockets crash risk.
Resources, Educational Materials, and Employer Tools
Access printable fact sheets, a Frequently Asked Questions section, newsletter templates for employers, a social media toolkit with graphics and sample posts, and presentation slides to educate yourself, your employees, and your community on Ohio’s distracted driving laws.
You’ll find clear, distributable fact sheets detailing regulations for quick reference. The FAQ clarifies electronic device rules, resolving common doubts.
Use newsletter templates to drive employer engagement, ensuring your team understands compliance and risks.
Utilize the social media toolkit for educational outreach across platforms. Deploy presentation slides to inform groups, boosting road safety awareness and adherence.
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. |
| Indiana | Texting and handheld phone restrictions in place; fines and possible license points apply. |
| 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. |
| 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 New Distracted Driving Law in Ohio?
Ohio’s new distracted driving law bans you from holding, lapping, or propping phones while driving, except hands-free use. You’ll face distracted driving penalties—$150 fine, 2 points first offense—boosting Ohio driving safety by curbing crashes.
Can You Refuse to Show ID to Police in Ohio?
You can’t refuse to give your name, address, and date of birth when an officer reasonably suspects criminal activity; refusing may violate your legal obligations and escalate police encounters, possibly resulting in arrest or charges.
Can You Hold a Phone to Your Ear While Driving in Ohio?
Like a tightrope walker balancing perilously, you can hold your phone to your ear while driving in Ohio if you initiate the call with one swipe and avoid manual inputs, prioritizing phone use and driving safety. You’re prohibited otherwise.
Am I Allowed to Touch My Phone While Driving?
No, you can’t touch your phone while driving in Ohio except for single-touch hands-free activation or when stationary at a light. Prioritize phone usage limits to boost driving safety—avoid holding it to prevent fines, points, and crashes.
Conclusion
You must keep your eyes and hands on the road and off your phone: Ohio’s hands‑free law makes handheld phone use a primary offense, with escalating fines, points, and doubled penalties in construction zones, and a strict ban on any electronic-device use for drivers under 18; you can use voice or true hands‑free systems but not manual input while driving, and navigation via integrated systems is allowed when not manually operated.
