Here’s a reminder to the Kent State community that the new distracted driving legislation went into effect this week on April 4. The key takeaway? It is now illegal to use or hold a cellphone 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.
While drivers over the age of 18 may still legally make phone calls using a hands-free device like an electronic watch or speakerphone, they should be cautious not to handle or hold the phone while driving. The guiding rule seems to be to not hold onto the phone, but anything using a single touch or swipe is OK.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), careful drivers should avoid actions like:
- Dialing phone numbers.
- Sending text messages.
- Updating social media.
- Browsing the web.
“With very few exceptions, anything that involves using, holding or supporting a device while driving is off-limits,” ODPS explains.
Yes, you can still use Bluetooth and GPS apps. ODPS notes that 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.
Some specific exceptions where it’s OK to hold the phone include:
- Reporting an emergency to an emergency entity.
- Using a phone while the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or road closure.
- Holding a phone to the ear during phone conversations.
Drivers pulled over by Ohio State Highway Patrol officers and local law enforcement will be granted a warning until Oct. 5, when citations begin to be issued. First-time violators of the law may face up to $150 in fines and 2 points assessed to their license.
Read the legislation and its exceptions at the Ohio Department of Public Safety Phones Down site.