Each state has its own cell phone driving laws. For example, many states have identified
cell phone use by novice drivers as an emerging highway safety problem and have
restricted the practice. In some states, localities restrict cell phone use while
driving through local ordinances or policies. Others prohibit localities from implementing
such ordinances through preemption laws. According to The Governors Highway Safety
Association the current state cell phone driving law highlights include the following:
•5 states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington), the District
of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have enacted jurisdiction-wide cell phone laws
prohibiting driving while talking on handheld cell phones. Many other states ban
cell phone use in specific situations.
•17 states and the District of Columbia have special cell phone driving laws for
novice drivers.
•School bus drivers in 14 states and the District of Columbia are prohibited from
all cell phone use when passengers are present, except for in emergencies.
•In May of 2007, Washington became the first state to ban driving while texting for
all drivers. New Jersey followed suit in November and a few other states are considering
similar measures.
•No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) while
driving.
•Some states, such as Utah and New Hampshire, treat cell phone use as a larger distracted
driving issue.
To see the law for your state click here.
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