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Ohio’s new Distracted Driving Law launches today: Here’s what you can and can’t do

By Chris Pugh

Updated October 5, 2023 6:49 AM

Ohio’s Distracted Driving Law takes full effect today as officers can issue written citations for those who break the law.

Here’s what we know about the law.

Officials say while driving, anything that involves using, holding, or supporting a device is not allowed, including:

The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Public Safety say the law allows drivers over 18 to make or receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology, which includes:

Drivers over 18 can listen to apps on devices and use maps as long as they start them before driving or use a single touch to activate them.

Here are what the state says offending drivers face for breaking the law:

First offense in two years: Two points assessed to driver’s license, up to a $150 fine.

Second offense in two years: 3 points assessed to license, up to a $250 fine.
Third or more in two years: 4 points assessed to license, up to a $500 fine, possible

The Ohio Department of Public Safety says exceptions for drivers over 18 years old include:

Reporting an emergency to law enforcement, hospital, health care provider, fire department, or similar emergency entity.
Holding a phone to their ear only during phone conversations if the call is started or stopped with a single touch or swipe.
Holding or using cell phones and other electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure.
First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), use electronic devices as part of their official duties.
Utility workers operating utility vehicles in specific emergency or outage situations.
Licensed operators using an amateur radio.
Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal.

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This story was originally published October 5, 2023 at 6:44 AM.