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: The Colorado State Patrol cites increased enforcement of the state's hands-free cell phone law, which went into effect in mid-2024. In 2025, 935 citations were handed out, CSP says. That compares with 299 the year before. The law's author, state Sen. Chris Hansen, pointed to "widespread and irresponsible cell phone usage while driving." The Colorado State Patrol handed out 90 citations and 91 warnings under the new state distracted driving law, in its first two months of full enforcement. Colorado first outlawed texting and the use of cell phones by teen … [Read more...]
Wisconsin: Cell phone laws, legislation
November 17, 2008 by 31 Comments
Cell phone, texting update: Police will have the option of impounding vehicles used by first-time reckless drivers under a measure signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The previous version of the law allowed police to tow vehicles after a driver's second or subsequent biolation. "Whether it's distracted driving, speeding, or erratic and aggressive behaviors, reckless driving puts our kids, families, and communities in harm's way," the governor said in late October 2025. Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes in Wisconsin. In 2024, there were 9,068 crashes related to … [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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