Last Updated 5th of February, 2010

What is the cell phone law in my state?

Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.

  • You could save 15% or more
  • 24 hour claims service
  • Get a FREE instant quote, today!
Before trying to contact a friend or family member while driving, know the cell phone law of the state you're in. Otherwise you may receive a traffic ticket with a hefty fine. This also applies to text messaging, which many states, over the last year, have enacted laws banning this practice.

If you need to know your state's cell phone traffic law, contact your DMV or state police. Or, if you need to know now, consult the grid below.  

Hand-held Ban All Cell Phones Ban Text Messaging Ban
Alabama
Alaska
x
Arizona
Arkansas
x
x
x
Hand-held phones banned only for drivers 18 to 20 years old.; all cell phones banned only for drivers 18 and younger.
California
x
x
x
All cell phones banned only for drivers 18 and younger.
Colorado
x
x
All cell phones banned for drivers 18 and younger.
Connecticut
x
x
x
All cell phones banned for drivers 18 and younger.
Delaware
x
x
All cell phones and texting banned for permit and intermediate license holders.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
x
x
x
Hand-held cell phones banned while driving in construction and school zones; all cell phones banned only for all drivers under 19 years old.
Indiana
x
x
All cell phones and text messaging banned only for drivers younger than 18.
Iowa
Kansas
x
x
All cell phones and text messaging banned only for permit and intermediate license holders.
Kentucky
Louisiana
x
x
x
All cell phones banned only for permit and intermediate license holders.
Maine
x
x
All cell phones and text messaging only banned for permit and intermediate license holders.
Maryland
x
x
All cell phones banned only for permit and intermediate license holders.
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
x
x
All cell phones banned only for permit and intermediate license holders during the first 12 months after licensing.
Mississippi
x
Text messaging only banned for permit and intermediate license holders.
Missouri
x
Text messaging only banned for drivers 21 and younger.
Montana
Nebraska
x
x
All cell phones and text messaging only banned for permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18.
Nevada
New Hampshire
x
New Jersey
x
x
x
All cell phones banned only for permit and intermediate license holders.
New Mexico
New York
x
x
North Carolina
x
x
All cell phones banned only for drivers younger than 18.
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
x
x
x
All cell phones banned only for drivers younger than 18.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
x
x
All cell phones banned only for drivers younger than 18.
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
x
x
All cell phones only banned for permit and intermediate holders.
Texas
x
x
x
Hand-held phones banned for all drivers in school crossing zones; all cell phones banned only for intermediate license holders during the first 12 months; text messaging banned for all drivers in school zone crossings and for intermediate license holders during the first 12 months.
Utah
x
x
Vermont
Virginia
x
x
All cell phones only banned for drivers younger than 18.
Washington
x
x
West Virginia
x
x
All cell phones and text messaging only banned for permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18.
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Washington DC
x
x
x
All cell phones banned for permit holders.

Related Articles

Visitor Comments

No visitor comments posted. Post a comment

Post Comment for "What is the cell phone law in my state?"

To post a comment for this article, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

User Opinions

100% thumbs up 0% thumbs down (4 votes)

How would you rate this answer?



Thank you for rating this answer.

Continue
DMVAnswers.com (the Site) is a privately owned, for-profit Web site owned by OnlineGURU, Inc. The Site specifically disclaims any and all connection with any state bureau, division, or Department of Motor Vehicles, or any state or federal government agency. DMVAnswers.com does its best to get the correct information but does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of the information displayed herein. It is not complete or certified information. The information provided on DMVAnswers.com is not legal advice, DMVAnswers.com is not a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by use of the site. Additionally, the Site expressly disclaims any and all liability for third party links or resources on the Site and any claims of negligence arising from same. For official information, please consult your state motor vehicle department.