Cell Phone Driving Laws by State

At a Glance:

6 states and DC ban cell phone use without a hands-free device.

6 states allow localities to ban cell phone use.

8 states prohibit localities from banning cell phone use.

14 states and DC ban the use of cell phones while driving a school bus.

17 states and DC ban the use of cell phones by novice drivers.

Alabama

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers*: Allowed
Novice Restrictions**: None
Enforcement: N/A

Alaska

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers: Allowed
Novice Restrictions: None
Enforcement: N/A

Arizona

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers: Banned
Novice Restrictions: None
Enforcement: Primary***

Arkansas

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers: Banned
Novice Restrictions: None
Enforcement: Primary

California

Hand-Held Devices: Banned (as of 7/2008)
All drivers must use a hands free device**** (except for emergencies, and drivers of emergency response vehicles)
Commercial vehicle drivers exempted from requirement until 2011.
Bus Drivers: Banned (including transit operators)
Novice Restrictions: 18 and Under (as of July 2008)
Enforcement: Primary
An officer in California can stop a person, regardless of age, holding a cellphone and talking on it, but they may not use checkpoints to enforce the all cell ban for drivers younger than 18.
Fines: $20 for a first offense; $50 for subsequent infractions

Colorado

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers: Allowed
Novice Restrictions: Learner's Permit, regardless of age
Enforcement: N/A

Connecticut

Hand-Held Devices: Banned (as of 10/1/05)
All drivers on public and private roads must use hands free device, except for emergency situations.
Bus Drivers: Banned
Novice Restrictions: Learner's Permit and Under 18
Enforcement: Primary
Fines: $100 for first-time offenders


See Also: 5 States That Make You Pay Big

Delaware

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
Bus Drivers: Banned
Novice Restrictions: Learner's Permit and Intermediate Licenses (unless pulled to the side of the road)
Enforcement: Primary

Florida

Hand-Held Devices: Allowed
However, officers can code "Driver Distraction" as contributing cause and list cell phone in the narrative.
Prohibit localities from banning cell phone use.
Bus Drivers: Allowed
Novice Restrictions: None
Enforcement: N/A


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