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 Wyoming, state statutes address the issue of distracted driving by prohibiting texting while driving for all drivers. Wyoming Statute § 31-5-237 specifically bans the use of a handheld electronic wireless communication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle. This law aims to reduce distractions and enhance road safety. However, there is no statewide ban on the use of handheld phones for talking while driving for all drivers. Restrictions on cell phone use may be more stringent for certain categories of drivers, such as novice drivers or school bus drivers, but these are not specified in the general statewide regulations. Local ordinances in various cities and towns within Wyoming may also impose additional restrictions on texting, talking, or emailing while driving, so it is important for drivers to be aware of the laws specific to the areas where they are driving.