State Laws
For the most current information on State laws, please refer to the map below.
Click on an individual state or territory to learn more on its specific laws.
Currently, 46 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. All but 5 have primary enforcement. Of the 4 states without an all driver texting ban, 2 prohibit text messaging by novice drivers, 1 restricts school bus drivers from texting.
14 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit drivers of all ages from using handheld cell phones while driving.
All Cell Phone Use: No state bans all cell phone use for all drivers, but 38 states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, and 20 states and D.C. prohibit it for school bus drivers.
Note: A primary law means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. A secondary law means an officer can only issue a ticket if a driver has been pulled over for another violation (like speeding).
Alabama
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Alabama defines novice drivers as those age 16 or 17 with an intermediate license less than 6 months
For more information regarding Alabama's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/al.html
Back to State ListAlaska
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Alaska's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ak.html
Back to State ListAmerican Samoa
- No distracted driving laws
For more information regarding American Samoa's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/as.html
Back to State ListArizona
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for school bus drivers (Primary law)
For more information regarding Arizona's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/az.html
Back to State ListArkansas
- Handheld ban for drivers age 18-20 years old (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Arkansas defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Arkansas's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ar.html
Back to State ListCalifornia
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: California defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding California's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ca.html
Back to State ListColorado
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Colorado defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Colorado's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/co.html
Back to State ListConnecticut
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Connecticut defines novice drivers as those under the age of 18 or with a learner's permit.
For more information regarding Connecticut's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ct.html
Back to State ListDelaware
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Delaware defines novice drivers as those with a learner's permit or intermediate license holders.
For more information regarding Delaware's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/de.html
Back to State ListDistrict of Columbia
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary)
Note: D.C. defines novice drivers as those with a learner's permit.
For more information regarding District of Columbia's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/dc.html
Back to State ListFlorida
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Secondary law)
For more information regarding Florida's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/fl.html
Back to State ListGeorgia
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Georgia defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Georgia's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ga.html
Back to State ListGuam
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Guam's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/gu.html
Back to State ListHawaii
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Hawaii's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/hi.html
Back to State ListIdaho
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Idaho has a "Distraction in/on Vehicle (List)" attribute as part of its Contributing Circumstances element, and officers are supposed to list the distractions in the narrative.
For more information regarding Idaho's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/id.html
Back to State ListIllinois
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Illinois bans the use of cell phones while driving in a school zone or in a highway construction zone
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Illinois defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 19.
For more information regarding Illinois's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/il.html
Back to State ListIndiana
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Indiana defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Indiana's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/in.html
Back to State ListIowa
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Secondary)
Note: Iowa defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages with a restricted or intermediate license.
For more information regarding Iowa's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ia.html
Back to State ListKansas
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Kansas defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages with a learner's permit or intermediate license.
For more information regarding Kansas's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ks.html
Back to State ListKentucky
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Kentucky defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Kentucky's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ky.html
Back to State ListLouisiana
- Handheld ban for drivers with a learner's permit or intermediate license regardless of age
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law for drivers under 18)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Louisiana defines novice drivers as those drivers within their 1st year of licensure
For more information regarding Louisiana's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/la.html
Back to State ListMaine
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Maine has passed a law making it against the law to drive while distracted in the state
Note: Maine defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Maine's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/me.html
Back to State ListMaryland
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Maryland defines novice drivers as those under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license
For more information regarding Maryland's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/md.html
Back to State ListMassachusetts
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Massachusetts defines novice drivers as those under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license
For more information regarding Massachusetts's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ma.html
Back to State ListMichigan
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- In Michigan, teens with probationary licenses whose cell phone usage contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may not use a cell phone while driving
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
For more information regarding Michigan's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/mi.html
Back to State ListMinnesota
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Minnesota defines novice drivers as those under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license
For more information regarding Minnesota's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/mn.html
Back to State ListMississippi
- Ban on texting for all drivers (Primary law) eff. 7/2015
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
Note: Mississippi defines novice drivers as drivers with a learner's permit or provisional license
For more information regarding Mississippi's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ms.html
Back to State ListMissouri
- Ban on texting for novice drivers (Primary law)
Note: Missouri defines novice drivers as drivers age 21 and under
For more information regarding Missouri's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/mo.html
Back to State ListMontana
- No current bans for distracted driving
For more information regarding Montana's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/mt.html
Back to State ListNebraska
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Secondary law)
Note: Nebraska defines novice drivers as those under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license
For more information regarding Nebraska's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ne.html
Back to State ListNevada
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Nevada's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nv.html
Back to State ListNew Hampshire
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law, eff. 7/2015)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law, eff. 7/2015)
Dealt with as a distracted driving issue; New Hampshire enacted a comprehensive distracted driving law
For more information regarding New Hampshire's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nh.html
Back to State ListNew Jersey
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: New Jersey defines novice drivers as those under the age of 21 with a GDL or a provisional license.
For more information regarding New Jersey's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nj.html
Back to State ListNew Mexico
- Handheld ban for drivers with in state vehicles
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding New Mexico's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nm.html
Back to State ListNew York
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding New York's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ny.html
Back to State ListNorth Carolina
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: North Carolina defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding North Carolina's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nc.html
Back to State ListNorth Dakota
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: North Dakota defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding North Dakota's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nd.html
Back to State ListNorthern Mariana Isl.
- No distracted driving laws
For more information regarding Northern Mariana Isl.'s state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/nmi.html
Back to State ListOhio
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Secondary law)
For more information regarding Ohio's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/oh.html
Back to State ListOklahoma
- Handheld ban for drivers with a learner's permit or intermediate license (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary Law) eff. 11/15
For more information regarding Oklahoma's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ok.html
Back to State ListOregon
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Oregon defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Oregon's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/or.html
Back to State ListPennsylvania
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Pennsylvania's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/pa.html
Back to State ListPuerto Rico
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages
For more information regarding Puerto Rico's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/pr.html
Back to State ListRhode Island
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Rhode Island defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Rhode Island's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ri.html
Back to State ListSouth Carolina
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding South Carolina's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/sc.html
Back to State ListSouth Dakota
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Secondary law)
For more information regarding South Dakota's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/sd.html
Back to State ListTennessee
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Tennessee defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages with a learner's permit or intermediate license.
For more information regarding Tennessee's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/tn.html
Back to State ListTexas
- Ban on all cell phone (handheld and Hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone (handheld and Hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Texas has banned the use of handheld phones and texting in school zones
Note: In Texas bus driver laws pertain to bus drivers with passengers age 17 and under. Novice drivers are defined as drivers of all ages at the intermediate stage, first 12 months.
For more information regarding Texas's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/tx.html
Back to State ListUtah
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Utah's law defines careless driving as committing a moving violation (other than speeding) while distracted by use of a handheld cell phone or other activities not related to driving
- Ban on cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
For more information regarding Utah's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ut.html
Back to State ListVermont
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Vermont defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Vermont's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/vt.html
Back to State ListVirgin Islands
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
For more information regarding Virgin Islands's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/vi.html
Back to State ListVirginia
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for school bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Secondary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Virginia defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages under the age of 18.
For more information regarding Virginia's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/va.html
Back to State ListWashington
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
Note: Washington defines novice drivers as those with a learner's permit or in the intermediate state.
For more information regarding Washington's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/wa.html
Back to State ListWest Virginia
- Handheld ban for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
Note: West Virginia defines novice drivers as drivers of all ages with a learner's permit or intermediate license.
For more information regarding West Virginia's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/wv.html
Back to State ListWisconsin
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
For more information regarding Wisconsin's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/wi.html
Back to State ListWyoming
- Ban on texting for drivers of all ages (Primary law)
- Ban on cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
For more information regarding Wyoming's state laws click here: http://ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/wy.html
Back to State List