Chart: Cellphone Driving Laws (by Laws Listed by State)

Generally, state cell phone driving laws are based on issues specific to each state. For example, multiple states have identified an emerging highway safety trend of cell phone use by novice drivers and have thus restricted use. In some states, localities restrict cell phone use through local ordinances or policies. Other states prohibit localities from implementing such ordinances. These are known as “Preemption Laws.” Highlights of current state cell phone driving laws include the following:

* In May of 2007, Washington became the first state to ban driving while texting for all drivers. A few other states are considering similar measures.
* Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have special cell phone driving laws for novice drivers.
* School bus drivers in 14 states and the District of Columbia are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present, except for in emergencies.
* No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) while driving.
* Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia have enacted jurisdiction-wide cell phone laws prohibiting driving while talking on handheld cell phones. California and Washington have passed similar laws that will go into affect in July, 2008. Many other states ban cell phone use in specific situations.
* Some states, such as Utah and New Hampshire, treat cell phone use as a larger “distracted driving” issue.

Source: Governors State Highway Association (via Librarians’ Internet Index and P.W.)

This entry was posted on Friday, September 28th, 2007 and is filed under Fast Facts, Lists and Rankings, Source File. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.