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 Ohio, texting while driving is banned for all drivers, which is in line with the majority of states. This ban is considered a secondary offense for drivers 18 and older, which means they must be pulled over for another violation before they can be cited for texting while driving. However, for drivers under 18, the use of any electronic wireless communications device while driving is prohibited, making this a primary offense; they can be pulled over solely for this infraction. Ohio does not have a statewide ban on the use of hand-held phones while driving for all drivers, but some municipalities within the state may have their own ordinances that restrict such activities. Additionally, school bus drivers in Ohio are prohibited from texting or using a cell phone while driving. It's important for drivers in Ohio to be aware of and comply with both state statutes and any local ordinances regarding the use of electronic devices while driving.