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 Delaware, it is illegal for drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving. This includes any form of texting, emailing, or talking on a hand-held device. Delaware law specifically prohibits all drivers from texting while driving, and this ban is primary enforcement, meaning an officer can pull a driver over for texting without needing any other reason for the traffic stop. Additionally, novice drivers, which typically include those with learner's permits or intermediate licenses, are not allowed to use cell phones at all while driving. School bus drivers in Delaware are also prohibited from using cell phones when they are driving. These laws are in place to reduce distractions and increase road safety for all road users.