Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In New York State, both texting and hand-held cell phone use while driving are illegal. New York has been a leader in enacting laws aimed at preventing distracted driving. The state prohibits all drivers from using portable electronic devices. Illegal activities include holding a handheld device and talking on the phone, composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mails, texts, or webpages, viewing, taking, or transmitting images, and playing games. Violation of these laws can result in fines and points on the driver's license. Additionally, New York prohibits all cell phone use by novice drivers and school bus drivers. These regulations are enforced to increase road safety and reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.