COLUMBUS – Beginning today, it will be illegal to use or hold a cell phone or other electronic device while driving on Ohio’s roadways.
Using a cell phone or other electronic communications device while driving will be a primary traffic offense for all drivers, which allows police to pull over a motorist if the officer witnesses a violation, according to the office of Gov. Mike DeWine, who signed the law in January.
Under the previous law, distracted driving was a primary offense only for juveniles and officers could only stop adult drivers if they committed a separate violation, such as speeding or running a red light.
“Far too many people have been seriously injured and killed in Ohio because of poor choices behind the wheel, and we are certain that this new law will influence positive changes in behavior and save lives as a result,” DeWine said Monday.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, distracted driving has caused at least 60,421 crashes and 209 deaths in Ohio over the past five years, although distracted-driving crashes are believed to be “significantly underreported,” DeWine said.
A new educational campaign, which includes a new website, billboards, and social media, radio, and television advertisements, reminds Ohioans of the change and urges motorists to Lock Your Screen Before You Rock the Road.
Research from Nationwide Insurance found that 42% of Ohio drivers admit making a phone call on a handheld device while driving and 25% say they’ve texted while driving,
The law includes a six-month grace period during which law enforcement will issue warnings to educate motorists about the changes.
Beginning on October 4, police will begin issuing tickets to violators. Penalties include fines of up to $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for subsequent offenses. If a violation occurs in a construction zone, an offender is subject to double fines.
Drivers may also face points on their driver’s license, unless they complete an awareness course, and the possibility of having their license suspended or revoked for repeat offenses, Columbus police said.
Exceptions include allowing adult drivers to make or receive calls while using a hands-free device or use electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or while parked on a road during an emergency or road closure.
Adult drivers are still permitted to hold a phone directly to their ear for a phone call, but devices may only be activated with a single touch or swipe, and adults can use GPS if they begin navigation before getting on the road. while driving.
Both adults and juveniles can use phones at any time to report an emergency to first responders.