Ohio Implements New Law Restricting Cell Phone Use While Driving

Ohio's new distracted driving law makes the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving a primary traffic offense for all drivers, allowing law enforcement to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation. The law prohibits dialing a phone number, sending a text message, updating or browsing social media, video calls or FaceTime, browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games, recording or streaming video. However, drivers can still talk on their phone while driving if it is hands-free or they are holding their phone to their ear for a conversation. Violators will face fines and points on their license, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.