Where is texting while driving illegal

Hand-held bans are laws that allow the use of mobile devices while driving only in hands-free mode—usually through voice communication or by activating with a single tap or swipe. A growing number of states also include a prohibition to access, view or read non-navigation related content.

Texting bans prohibit drivers from typing or sending text messages while driving but allow talking on a hand-held mobile device. Many of these bans provide for various exemptions, including for emergencies, law enforcement and first responders. Click on the graphic below to see interactive charts on state cellphone use and texting while driving laws. You can search by state and ban type main categories and sub-categories.

States are eligible to apply for a Distracted Driving Grant if they have enacted and are enforcing:. Florida is another state where the law is murky, as it has implemented a "limited" ban on texting while operating a vehicle. It is a secondary law, meaning an officer can only punish drivers for the offense if they are legally pulled over for another crime i.

Mississippi state laws only prevent minors or those with a learner's permit from texting while driving, so there is no statewide ban on all drivers. It is a primary law if a novice driver is pulled over, meaning the police don't have to suspect the driver of another offense.

Missouri has a similar law, stating only novice drivers 21 or younger are banned from texting when driving. Montana currently has no legislation banning texting when driving, regardless of the driver's age. New Mexico only has limited ordinances in place, but no statewide ban.

Novice drivers with a learner's permit aren't permitted to text while driving. In Oklahoma , drivers with a learner's permit aren't allowed to use texting services while driving. There is no statewide ban in the state of Texas unless drivers are in a school zone. West Virginia is another state that doesn't have a statewide ban, but prohibits drivers 18 and younger from texting while driving. Law Chart. Preemption Laws: Some states have preemption laws that prohibit local jurisdictions from enacting their own distracted driving bans.

A PDF chart of state distracted driving laws is available for download here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office. Breadcrumb Home State Laws issues. Distracted Driving. Hand-Held Ban? Primary law. School and work zones only.

All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers. Novice Drivers. Yes, for instruction and intermediate permit holders under Secondary Law.