An up-to-date listing of cell phone and texting restrictions across the States. Click on the state's name to view a full report on its distracted driving laws and pending legislation. Alabama: Handheld cell phone use and text messaging while driving illegal for anyone driving in the state of Alabama. Secondary enforcement. Alaska: Drivers are banned from text-messaging or watching videos. Arizona: Handheld cell phone use barred. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Arkansas: All drivers prohibited from text messaging. Drivers under 18 may not use … [Read more...]
Colorado: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 1, 2008 by 17 Comments
Distracted driving news: Sen. Chris Hansen's proposed ban on handheld cell phone use by drivers has been signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. It goes into effect in mid-August. Fines from $75 to $250, with points vs. the license. The compromise version OK'd by lawmakers limited enforcement to secondary status, however. Hansen has cited "widespread and irresponsible cell phone usage while driving." State Sen. Louise Court's 2017 plan for a significant increase in texting & driving penalties was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. Under Court's SB 27 of 2017 (as amended), an … [Read more...]
Wisconsin: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 17, 2008 by 31 Comments
Cell phone, texting update: Gov. Tony Evers has signed into law designed to protect first responders and roadside workers. The act includes a ban on cell phone use in areas where an accident or similar incident has occurred. The act also requires the DOT to educate the public on the dangers of cell phone use in emergency-response areas. The bill was authored by state Rep. Katrina Shankland and enacted Dec. 6, 2021. Madison area officials want to use Metro buses to catch texting & driving offenders. Dane County deputies would ride buses during off-peak hours and would notify officers at … [Read more...]
Illinois: Cell phone & texting laws, legislation
November 16, 2008 by 32 Comments
Cell phone, texting news: State Rep. Marcus Evans inspired a crackdown on drivers who video conference (via apps such as Zoom) on their commutes. The 2023 law (via House Bill 2431) brings fines from $75 to $150. The law also targets social media use while driving, for example X and Facebook. "Illinois has been a leader in cracking down on distracted driving, but we need to remain vigilant and continue to refine our laws as new technologies emerge," Evans said in mid-March 2023. Penalties for causing bodily harm or death while using an electronic communications device have increased to … [Read more...]
Texas: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 12, 2008 by 94 Comments
Texas distracted driving news: State Sen. Judith Zaffirini continues to push for a complete set of distracted driving laws in Texas. Her Senate Bill 41 would outlaw use of handheld communications devices for all drivers. Her law would be "just hands-free, instead of (a banning) using a cell phone for certain purposes." She says the texting law that went into effect in late 2017 is better than nothing, but has loopholes such as allowing texting in temporarily stopped traffic. Texas' texting & driving law went into effect Sept. 1, 2017. Fines are $25 to $99 for a first offense, then $100 … [Read more...]
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