Hands-Free Cell Phone Laws
An increasing number of states are adopting laws prohibiting the use of a handheld cell phone while driving. Currently eight states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, and Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands have banned a drivers use of a handheld cell phone. In all of these states, except Maryland, driving while using a handheld cell phone is a primary offense, meaning a police officer may cite a driver for the violation without any other traffic offense occurring.
Novice Drivers Are Especially at Risk
28 states and Washington, D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, which are drivers who have a learner permit or probationary license but do not yet have a drivers' license. School bus drivers in 18 states and in Washington, D.C. are prohibited from using a cell phone when passengers are on the bus.
There are also laws prohibiting cell phone texting while driving in 30 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam. 11 of these laws were enacted in 2010. Some states such as Maine, New Hampshire, and Utah treat cell phone use and texting as part of a larger distracted driving offense.
Real Dangers, Devestating Accidents
The dangers of talking or texting on a cell phone and driving are real. Some estimate cell phone distraction plays a role in 1 in 4 U.S. vehicle cashes. With ticket costs typically exceeding $100, handheld cell phone laws are helpful in getting people to use hands-free cell phone devices while driving.
There are a variety of ways for drivers to comply with hands–free cell phone laws. Putting a cell phone on speaker, plugging in wired headset, using a wireless headset, or built-in Bluetooth are all ways of talking on your cell phone while still being in compliance with the law.
Driving with a hands–free cell phone device makes you a safer driver. Reducing your risk of accidents can help you save on car insurance.
