OHIO — Right now, unless you’re under the age of 18, police officers across Ohio can’t pull you over simply because you’re on your phone while driving.

But, a new distracted-driving law will soon change that.

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 283 was signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine last week

  • The new law allows police officers across the state to pull someone over and issue a ticket solely because a driver is on his or her cellphone

  • The law will take effect in April

  • Penalties include a fine up to $500, several points on a license and having a license suspended

House Bill 283 was signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine last week.

The law, which takes effect in April, allows police officers across the state to pull someone over and issue a ticket solely because a driver is on his or her cellphone.

Sergeant Ray Santiago with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said there will be a grace period the first six months the law is in effect to “educate folks as to why this is now a primary offense and why they were pulled over for it.”

Once the grace period ends, offending drivers could face a fine up to $500, several points on their license and having their license suspended. Fines would also be doubled if violations happen in active construction zones. 

“This absolutely isn’t about writing tickets or collecting fines. It’s about keeping folks safe,” said Sgt. Santiago. 

There are some exceptions to this new law. Drivers can still be on their phones to make calls in case of an emergency, holding the phone close to his or her ear. The same is true if a driver is stopped on the side of the road or at a red light.