Distracted driving news: A hands-free cell phone law took effect July 1, 2020. "This bill requires that you can not have it in your hand," says State Rep. John Holsclaw, who fought for tougher distracted driving laws for five years. Sen. Jon Lundberg unsuccessfully sought to repeal the law in 2020. In 2024, additional points were mandated for young drivers who are serial offenders (below). Fines are now $50 for most distracted driving offenses in Tennessee, but more if a serial offense ($100) or in an active school or work zone ($200). Tennessee has been cited as the worst state in the … [Read more...]
Massachusetts: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 12, 2008 by 21 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: State Sen. Jo Comerford again seeks to amend the 2019 distracted driving law to prohibit use of videos by drivers. The 2023 bill would mandate that "no operator of a motor vehicle shall report or broadcast video of themselves on a mobile electronic device," Comerford said. The measure is dubbed "Charlie's Law," after a bicyclist hit and killed by a driver allegedly using Facetime. 2021 has seen an explosive increase in the number of electronic distracted driving citations statewide. In January, there were only 151 citations and warnings, but by April the … [Read more...]
Louisiana: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 3, 2008 by 24 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: State Sen. Patrick McMath's 2024 plan to outlaw handheld cell phone use by drivers has been approved by the Senate and is before the full House. It would be limited to secondary enforcement, however, except for school and work zones. "The impact (of a distracted driving fatality) is never ending," one survivor told lawmakers March 27. A 2016 law hits Louisiana's distracted drivers in the wallet. It established a $500 fine for first-time offenders of the state texting law, a penalty that can double for serial offenders. Minors pay higher fines as well. Gov. John … [Read more...]
Ohio: Cell phone laws, legislation
September 16, 2008 by 79 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A hands-free law with primary enforcement is now in full effect in Ohio -- and ticketing is under way. "Beginning today, if law enforcement sees a driver distracted by their phone, that driver can now be immediately pulled over," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Oct. 5, 2023, at the end of a six-month warning period. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Holding cell phone to ear for a call allowed, but not entry of a phone number. The law officially went into effect April 4. The hands-free law of 2023 originated with HB … [Read more...]
South Carolina: Cell phone laws, legislation
September 9, 2008 by 11 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: State Sen. Tom Young continues to push for his 2023 plan to outlaw the holding of electronic devices while driving. Senate Bill 157 is a rerun of the 2021-22 session's S 248, which was OK'd by the Senate but died in the House. Fines up to $200. Young said in mid-November 2023 there's "definitely" more support for it now than when the original bill was filed. Young and state Rep. Bill Taylor have been pushing for a hands-free law since at least 2017. The state texting & driving law took effect in December 2014. It applies to all drivers and comes with a $25 … [Read more...]
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