Many drivers in Ohio aren’t aware that it’s illegal to use or hold a cell phone while driving. State law prohibits this behavior to help reduce distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a prevalent issue throughout the state. In 2024, Ohio saw 8,571 distracted driving crashes, resulting in 29 deaths and 4,458 injuries. It is illegal to engage in distracting activities, like texting or holding a cell phone.
If you or a loved one was in a crash with a distracted driver, our legal team at Gervelis Law can help with your case. Call today for a free consultation.
Understanding Ohio's Distracted Driving Law
As of April 4, 2023, Ohio law prohibits drivers from using any part of their body to support an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes texting, sending an email, checking maps, and browsing while driving a truck, car, or motorcycle. Additionally, you can’t engage in these activities while stopped at a red light or in traffic. Police can stop drivers just for using or holding a phone while driving.
Permissible Phone Uses While Driving
Under Ohio law, there are specific times when phones can be used, such as:
- Using a device in hands-free mode via Bluetooth or a speakerphone
- Single-touch or single-swipe actions to initiate or end a call.
- Using a device for navigation, provided it is mounted and not held.
- Emergency calls to law enforcement, fire departments, or hospitals.
- Using a device while the vehicle is parked or stopped outside a lane of travel.
Prohibited Phone Uses While Driving
Phone usage must be hands-free, including other parts of the body, such as your shoulders and neck. You can’t use your phone to participate in the following activities:
- Texting and typing – Using your hands to send a text or type is prohibited.
- Social media – You cannot scroll or check social media while driving.
- Video Calls and streaming – Video calls and streaming can divert your attention away from the road, posing a visual distraction.
- Recording or taking photos – You cannot use your phone to take photos or videos while driving.
- Gaming and internet browsing – Playing games on your phone or browsing the internet is prohibited while the car is in drive.
Special Considerations
There are situations in which phone usage while driving would fall under a special circumstance, including the following:
- Drivers under 18 – These individuals are prohibited from using any electronic devices while driving, including hands-free options.
- Emergency situations – If you need to call 911 for an emergency, you are permitted to do so while driving.
- Stopped vehicles – You can use your phone to text, email, or make a call so long as your vehicle is in park and out of the flow of traffic.
Penalties for Violating Ohio’s Distracted Driving Law
Penalties are in place to deter individuals from engaging in distracted driving. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in accidents and injuries. A first offense for using a phone while driving is punishable by a fine of up to $150 and two points on your license.
A second offense within two years of the prior offense can result in a $250 fine and three points on your license. Third and subsequent offenses can lead to a fine of up to $500, four points on your license, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
Construction Zone Violations
Using your phone while driving in a construction zone has graver penalties due to the implications. To be considered a construction zone, the area must have signage indicating that you are in a work zone. This is a much more hazardous area to be distracted in, as it involves people on foot, large trucks, tools, and other barriers on the roads.
- First offense: Up to a $300 fine.
- Second offense within two years: Up to a $500 fine.
- Third or subsequent offense within two years: Up to a $1,000 fine, 4 points, and a 90-day license suspension.
The Impact of Ohio’s Distracted Driving Law
Since the law went into effect, Ohio has seen an 8 percent decrease in crashes, a 3 percent drop in injuries, and a 4 percent decline in traffic fatalities. Even with this significant change, collisions still happen and can result in serious injuries and property damage. Our seasoned car accident attorneys at Gervelis Law can help you secure compensation following a wreck. Schedule a meeting with us today to review your case.
Choose Gervelis Law Firm for Your Distracted Driving Accident
At Gervelis Law Firm, our skilled personal injury attorneys assist accident victims daily. We proudly serve Youngstown, Akron, Toledo, Columbus, Canfield, Warren, and the entire state of Ohio. We work tirelessly to earn our clients’ trust by keeping them informed, handling every case with integrity, and adhering to our guiding principle: clients’ needs always come first.
We will always keep you informed every step of the way—that’s the Gervelis Guarantee. Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our team.
