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 Nebraska, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. This ban is considered a secondary enforcement law, which means that a driver can only be cited for texting if they have been pulled over for another violation first. However, for school bus drivers, the law is stricter; they are banned from using any wireless communication device while driving if children are present, except in emergency situations. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 who hold a learner's permit or intermediate license are prohibited from using a handheld wireless communication device while driving, with the exception of reporting emergencies. Nebraska has not enacted a statewide ban on handheld phone use for all drivers, but drivers should be aware of and comply with any local ordinances that may impose stricter regulations on mobile phone use while driving.