COLUMBUS – It’s been six months since Ohio’s new distracted driving law took effect and that means the warning period is over and drivers can expect to be pulled over and ticketed for cell phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
Police have only been issuing warnings for distracted driving during the law’s grace period, but Thursday marked the first day when they could hand out citations.
“Now that time’s over. Now, you will be put on the side of the road, you will be issued a citation if you are on your phone, electronic device, texting and driving,” Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Tyler Ross said in an interview on “Sunny This Morning with Stacy McKay and Dino Tripodis” on Sunny 95.
Read more about Ohio’s new distracted driving law here
Even the six-month “grace period” had an impact, according to Gov. Mike DeWine, who cited preliminary data from the patrol that shows that distracted driving crashes hit a record low last month when compared to each month dating back at least to January 2018.
Distracted driving crashes peaked in May 2018 with 1,383 crashes as compared to last month’s low of 576 crashes, DeWine said.
“In just six months, this law is saving lives by changing the culture around distracted driving and changing the behavior of drivers behind the wheel,” said Governor DeWine. “I am grateful to every driver who has chosen to put their phones down, and I encourage other drivers to commit to doing the same. There is no acceptable amount of distracted driving.”
The penalty for a first offense is a fine of up to $150 and two points on the driver’s license. Drivers have the option to take a safety course offered by the Department of Public Safety to avoid the fine and points, Ross said.
A second offense within three years brings a fine of up to $250 and three points and a third offense within three years can result in a fine of up to $500, four points on the driver’s license and a 90-day license suspension.
Fines are doubled for those who use cellphones while driving in a work zone, Ross said.
“If you look at the fine, the fees and the points, it’s a stark reminder that it is an area of concern,” Ross said.
Drivers are allowed “single swipe” movements to answer or end a phone call and can hold a phone up to their ear but must not be trying to use the phone to dial a number or send a text. The law allows only for hands-free devices.
“This is an important step to make Ohio’s roads safer by addressing distracted driving and providing officers with the necessary tools to enforce a law that prohibits drivers from using handheld devices behind the wheel,” says Kara Hitchens, AAA spokesperson. “While this is a huge step forward, drivers need to remember that hands-free isn’t risk-free.”
Distracted driving is a primary offense, which allows a trooper or officer to pull a driver over and cite them even if they have not committed any other violation, such as speeding or failing to stay in their lane, Ross said.
The patrol will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement on distracted driving corridors throughout Ohio, including on I-71 in Delaware County, I-77 in Summit County, I-70 in Guernsey County, and U.S. 35 in Jackson County, Col. Charles Jones, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent, said.