OHIO: Phones Down. It’s The Law.
Ohio: Phones Down. It’s The Law.
April 4th, 2023 is the day Ohio said “No More Phones While Driving”.
Governor Mike DeWine signed into law “Phones Down”.
As of April 4, 2023, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over.
Drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including:
- Speakerphone
- Earpiece
- Wireless headset
- Electronic watch
- Connecting phone to vehicle
In most cases, anything more than a single touch or swipe is against the law.
Drivers can listen to audio streaming apps and use navigational equipment if they turn them on before getting on the road or use a single touch or swipe to activate, modify, or deactivate them.
Remember, drivers under the age of 18 are still restricted from using their devices in any way, including hands-free features.
Exceptions include:
- Drivers reporting an emergency to law enforcement, a hospital, health care provider, fire department, or similar emergency entity.
- Drivers holding a phone to their ear only during phone conversations, if the call is started or stopped with a single touch or swipe.
- Drivers holding or using cell phones and other electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure.
- First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), using electronic devices as part of their official duties.
- Utility workers operating utility vehicles in certain emergency or outage situations.
- Licensed operators using an amateur radio.
- Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal.
Learn more about Ohio: Phones Down. It’s The Law by visiting PhonesDown.Ohio.gov
Hill & Smith Inc. proudly supports the efforts of the State of Ohio and all states safe approach to keeping roadways safe for the motoring public.
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