Handheld Phone and Texting-While-Driving Laws by State (2026)
Each state's rules on holding a phone and texting while driving.
| State | Phone and texting laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama's hands-free law (effective June 2024) makes it a violation to physically hold a wireless device while driving when the driver is also seen drifting across lanes without signaling, swerving or otherwise driving improperly. Fines are $50 and 1 point for a first conviction, $100 and 2 points for a second, and $150 and 3 points for a third within 24 months. Writing, sending or reading a text, instant message or email while driving is separately prohibited: fines of $25, $50 and $75 for first, second and later offenses, with 2 points each time. ALEA Driver License Manual (Nov. 2024), ch. 1 and ch. 4 |
| Alaska | Alaska prohibits texting while driving and driving with a visual screen device operating; the full list of prohibited uses is in AS 28.35.161. AS 28.35.161; Alaska DMV Driver Manual |
| Arizona | Drivers may not physically hold or support a phone or stand-alone electronic device while driving, and may not write, send or read texts, emails or internet data. Voice calls through an earpiece, headphone or wrist device and hands-free navigation are allowed. Civil penalty: $75 to $149 for a first violation, $400 for later violations, and an extra $150 if the violation causes a crash with a motorcycle. A violation generally cannot be used to suspend or revoke a license. A.R.S. § 28-914 |
| Arkansas | Texting while driving is prohibited at every age. Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone, including hands-free, except in an emergency. Drivers 18 to 20 may use a hands-free device; a hand-held phone only in an emergency. The state study guide says drivers 21 and older may use a cell phone. Ark. Code §§ 27-51-1501 et seq., 27-51-1601 et seq.; Arkansas Driver License Study Guide (July 2026) |
| California | Using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal; adult drivers may use a phone only in hands-free mode, mounted on the windshield, dashboard or center console, using a single swipe or touch. Drivers should not send or read texts or emails while driving. Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or wireless device at all while driving, except to call for emergency help. Cal. Veh. Code §§ 23123, 23123.5, 23124; DMV Handbook Section 8 |
| Colorado | Since January 1, 2025, drivers may not use a mobile electronic device while driving. 'Use' means holding the device or pinning it to the ear for voice calls, watching video (other than navigation), or writing, sending or reading texts, email or internet data. Exceptions include contacting public safety and emergencies. Fines (within 24 months) are $75 for a first offense, $150 for a second, and $250 for a third or later, plus a $10 surcharge. A first-time charge can be dismissed if the driver shows a hands-free accessory or proof of buying one. Causing injury or death is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. C.R.S. § 42-4-239 (version effective Jan. 1, 2025) |
| Connecticut | Drivers may not use a hand-held phone for calls or use a mobile electronic device while driving, including while stopped in traffic or at a light; texting, typing or reading messages by hand is prohibited. Only hands-free phone use is allowed, except in emergencies. Drivers under 18 may not use any phone or mobile device, including hands-free. A violation is a 1-point offense, and drivers under 18 face license suspension. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-296aa; CT DMV Driver's Manual; Regs. Conn. State Agencies § 14-137a-5 |
| Delaware | Drivers may not use a hand-held electronic communication device (holding it to talk, text, email, browse, play games or view data) while the vehicle is moving. Hands-free calls are allowed, as are calls to report emergencies or crimes. The civil penalty is $100 for a first offense and $200 to $300 for later offenses within 2 years. No points are assessed for a violation. 21 Del. C. § 4176C |
| District of Columbia | While driving, no one may use a mobile phone or other wireless device without a hands-free accessory, or hold one. Exceptions include emergency calls, starting or ending a call, turning the phone on or off, and being stopped (on or off the roadway) where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. Headphones or earbuds covering both ears are also prohibited. The fine is $100; for a first hands-free violation (not texting), the fine is suspended if the driver shows proof of getting a hands-free accessory. D.C. Code §§ 50-1731.04, 50-1731.06 |
| Florida | Drivers may not type or enter characters into a handheld wireless device, or send or read data on one, for texting, email or instant messaging while driving. A first violation is a noncriminal nonmoving infraction; a second within 5 years is a moving infraction. Using a wireless device in a handheld manner is prohibited in school zones and active work zones. Unlawful device use that causes a crash adds 6 points, and a moving violation combined with device use in a school safety zone adds 2 points. Fla. Stat. §§ 316.305, 316.306, 322.27(3) |
| Georgia | Under Georgia's Hands-Free law, drivers may not hold or support a phone or stand-alone electronic device with any part of the body while driving. A phone may be used only with headphones, a wireless connection, or a phone holder or mount. Penalties: first conviction, 1 point and a fine up to $50; second, 2 points and up to $100; third or more, 3 points and up to $150. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241(c); Georgia DDS Driver's Manual, Section 5 |
| Hawaii | No one may drive while using a mobile electronic device (holding it while driving), including when stopped in traffic or at a light; using it solely for a 911 call is a defense. Drivers under 18 may not use even a hands-free device, except for 911. Drivers completely stopped off the road with the engine off are exempt. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 291C-137 |
| Idaho | Drivers may not operate a vehicle while using a mobile electronic device, including while stopped temporarily in traffic, or watch video on a device (other than navigation). Exceptions include emergency calls and texts to 911, and hands-free use of navigation. Fines: $75 for a first offense, $150 for a second within 3 years, $300 for later offenses within 3 years; a court may suspend the license up to 90 days after three or more convictions in 3 years. A first offense carries no points. Idaho Code § 49-1401A; IDAPA 39.02.71 |
| Illinois | Drivers may not use an electronic communication device while driving, including to watch or stream video, join video calls, or use social media. Hands-free or voice-operated use (including a headset) is allowed, as is use for emergencies, while parked on the shoulder, or when stopped in obstructed traffic in neutral or park. Fines: up to $75 (first), $100 (second), $125 (third) and $150 (fourth or later); causing a crash with great bodily harm or death carries at least a $1,000 fine. 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 |
| Indiana | Drivers may not hold or use a telecommunications device while operating a moving vehicle, except with hands-free or voice-operated technology or to call 911 in an emergency. The BMV lists a hand-held device violation as 4 points. IC 9-21-8-59; Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5 |
| Iowa | Drivers may not use (hold, view or manipulate) an electronic device while driving unless the vehicle is stopped off the traveled roadway; voice-activated or hands-free use is allowed, but not for video, video calls, streaming, gaming or reading messages. A violation is a simple misdemeanor and is considered a moving violation. Officers issued warnings instead of citations until January 1, 2026. Iowa Code § 321.276 |
| Kansas | Drivers may not use a wireless communication device to manually type, send or read a text message, instant message or email while driving. Exceptions include voice-operated hands-free devices, vehicles stopped off the roadway, entering a number or name to make or receive a call, emergency, traffic or weather alerts, navigation messages, and reporting illegal activity or preventing imminent injury. K.S.A. 8-15,111 |
| Kentucky | The statute shown on the official statute site bars a driver of a moving vehicle on the traveled portion of a roadway from writing, sending or reading text-based messages (texts, instant messages, email) on a personal communication device. Exceptions include GPS use, dialing or selecting a number to make a call, emergency or public safety operators, and texting to report illegal activity or summon help. KRS 189.292 (effective June 8, 2011) |
| Louisiana | Act 288 of 2025 created R.S. 32:59: a driver may not use a handheld wireless device on a public road unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary. This includes calls (unless hands-free), texting, social media, video or photos, using apps by manual entry, and holding the device in either hand. Exceptions include reporting emergencies, calling 9-1-1, authorized emergency vehicle operators, and hands-free GPS. In school zones and highway construction zones it is a primary offense with a $250 fine; elsewhere it is a secondary offense (an officer must stop the driver for another violation) with a $100 fine; fines double if there is a crash. It is a nonmoving violation. Only written warnings were to be issued for violations before January 1, 2026. La. R.S. 32:59 (Act 288 of 2025, HB 519) |
| Maine | Maine is hands-free: a driver may not use, manipulate, talk into or otherwise interact with a handheld phone or electronic device while operating on a public way, including while stopped in traffic or at a light. Drivers 18 and older without an intermediate license or learner's permit may use a device in hands-free mode (a single swipe, tap or push on a mounted device is allowed). Exceptions include emergency calls to law enforcement or emergency services, and commercial or school bus drivers as federal rules allow. Fine: $50 for a first offense and $250 for a later offense. Separately, texting while driving carries a fine of at least $250, and repeat texting violations within 3 years bring a fine of at least $500 plus license suspension (30, 60 or 90 days). Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone or handheld device at all while driving. 29-A M.R.S. §§ 2121, 2119; Maine Motorist Handbook |
| Maryland | A driver may not use a text messaging device to write, send or read a text or electronic message while operating in the travel portion of the roadway (calls to 9-1-1 are excepted). A driver of a moving vehicle may not use hands to operate a handheld phone except to start or end a call or turn the phone on or off; fines are up to $75 for a first offense, $125 for a second and $175 for later offenses, with no points unless the violation contributes to a crash (a first-offense fine may be waived with proof of a hands-free device). School bus drivers carrying passengers, and learner's permit or provisional license holders, may not use a handheld phone at all. Drivers under 18 who violate the texting ban may have the license suspended for up to 90 days. Md. Code, Transp. §§ 21-1124.1, 21-1124.2 |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts is hands-free: a driver may not hold a mobile electronic device, may use one only in hands-free mode, and may not read or view text, images or video on it (viewing a map on a mounted device is allowed). The rule does not apply when the vehicle is stationary outside the travel lanes. Emergencies are an affirmative defense. Fines: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for a third or later; a second or later offense also requires a distracted-driving program. First and second offenses are not surchargeable incidents; a third or later offense is. M.G.L. c. 90, § 13B |
| Michigan | Michigan is hands-free: a driver may not hold or use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Exceptions include emergency calls or texts (such as 9-1-1), first responders on duty, GPS use without entering information by hand, and voice-operated or hands-free use (a single button press, tap or swipe is allowed). It is a civil infraction with a $100 fine or 16 hours of community service (or both) for a first violation and $250 or 24 hours for later violations; fines double if the driver causes a crash. Three or more violations in 3 years require a basic driver improvement course. Stricter rules apply to commercial vehicles and school buses ($200/$500), and teens with a Level 1 or 2 graduated license may not use a phone while driving. MCL 257.602b; MCL 257.602c |
| Minnesota | Minnesota is hands-free: while a vehicle is moving or part of traffic, a driver may not hold a wireless device in one or both hands, or use it to send or read messages, make calls (including video calls), or access video, audio, images, games or apps. Exceptions include voice-activated or hands-free calls and messages, GPS and audio that do not require typing or scrolling while driving (without holding the device), emergencies, and authorized emergency vehicles. A second or later violation carries a $275 fine. Minn. Stat. § 169.475 |
| Mississippi | A driver of a moving motor vehicle may not write, send or read a text message, or access, read or post to a social networking site, using a hand-held mobile phone. Voice-operated or hands-free devices are not covered. A violation is a civil violation with a $100 penalty. Miss. Code Ann. § 63-33-1 |
| Missouri | The 'Siddens Bening Hands Free Law' bars all drivers on any highway or public road from physically holding or supporting an electronic device, reading or writing texts, emails or social media, making calls except in voice-operated or hands-free mode, and retrieving data on a device. Violations are infractions: up to $150 with no prior conviction in 24 months, up to $250 with one prior, and up to $500 with two or more priors, with higher penalties in work zones and school zones. Only warnings were issued for noncommercial drivers before January 1, 2025. A driver may not be stopped solely for this violation. RSMo § 304.822 |
| Nebraska | A driver of a moving vehicle may not use a handheld wireless device to read, type or send a written communication (texting). Exceptions include on-duty law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance drivers and EMTs, and emergencies. It is enforced only as a secondary offense (the driver must be cited for another violation). Fines are $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second and $500 for a third or later, plus 3 points. Separate rules apply to commercial vehicle drivers. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-6,179.01, 60-4,182(13) |
| Nevada | While driving on a highway, a person may not manually type or enter text, send or read data, access the internet, or text/message on a handheld device, or talk on a handheld phone unless using a hands-free accessory (a touch to activate or deactivate a feature is allowed). Exceptions include emergency workers and law enforcement on duty and people reporting emergencies or crimes. It is a civil infraction: $50 for a first violation within 7 years, $100 for a second and $250 for a third or later; the DMV does not treat a first violation as a moving violation. The DMV point page lists 4 points for second and later handheld or texting offenses. NRS 484B.165; Nevada DMV, Demerit Point System |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire is hands-free: while driving or temporarily stopped in traffic, a driver may not use a hand-held mobile device for calls, messages, internet, GPS entry or typing. Holding a phone near the ear while moving is presumed to be a call. Exceptions include calling 911 or emergency services and hands-free or vehicle-integrated devices (one hand may be used to activate a function). Fines (until January 1, 2027): $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for later offenses within 24 months, plus penalty assessment. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all, even hands-free. RSA 265:79-c |
| New Jersey | Using a handheld cellphone or electronic communication device while driving is a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3. Under the MVC point schedule, 3 points are assessed for a third offense occurring within 10 years of a second offense and for all later offenses. NJ MVC, New Jersey Point Schedule |
| New York | It is a traffic infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-held phone while driving, and illegal to use portable electronic devices to send or receive texts or emails while driving. A phone may be held to start or end a call; hands-free phones may be used at any time; emergency calls and on-duty police, fire and emergency vehicle operators are exempt. Fines: up to $200 for a first offense, up to $250 for a second within 18 months, and up to $450 for a third or later within 18 months. The violation carries 5 points. Probationary and junior license holders receive a 120-day suspension for a first conviction and at least a one-year revocation for later convictions within six months of restoration. NY DMV, Driver's Manual ch. 8; NY DMV point system (VTL §§ 1225-c, 1225-d) |
| North Carolina | It is unlawful to operate a vehicle while using a mobile phone to manually enter letters or text to communicate, or to read email or text messages. Exceptions include lawfully parked or stopped vehicles, on-duty law enforcement, firefighters and ambulance operators, GPS and dispatch systems, and voice-operated technology. A violation is an infraction with a $100 fine plus court costs and no license or insurance points; a violation while driving a school bus is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Commercial drivers must follow federal device rules. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4A |
| North Dakota | A driver of a vehicle in traffic may not use a wireless device to compose, read, or send an electronic message (texts, email, instant messages, web access). Making or receiving phone calls, GPS use, and hands-free use are not covered. Drivers aged 16-17 with a class D license may not use an electronic communication device at all, including to talk, while the vehicle is moving, except for emergencies. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-08-23, 39-08-24 |
| Ohio | Drivers may not use, hold, or physically support a wireless device while driving. Exceptions include emergency calls, holding the phone to the ear for a call without typing, speakerphone without holding the phone, navigation without typing or holding, a single touch or swipe, and use while stopped outside a lane of travel or at a red light. A first violation carries a fine of up to $150, rising with repeat violations within two years. Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.204 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma prohibits texting while driving (47 O.S. § 11-901d) and inattentive driving (47 O.S. § 11-901b), including inattentive driving while using a cell phone or electronic communication device. Commercial vehicle drivers are also barred from using a hand-held mobile device (47 O.S. § 11-901c(A)(2)). Service Oklahoma Traffic Violation Code Book (rev. 05/01/2026), Inattentive Driving |
| Oregon | A driver may not hold a mobile electronic device or use one for any purpose while driving, including while stopped temporarily in traffic. Drivers 18 and older may use a hands-free accessory (an affirmative defense), and there are exceptions for summoning emergency help. A first offense is a Class B traffic violation (Class A if it contributes to a crash); a second within 10 years is a Class A violation; a third within 10 years is a Class B misdemeanor with a $2,000 minimum fine. ORS 811.507 |
| Pennsylvania | Paul Miller's Law (effective June 5, 2025) bans drivers from using a hand-held interactive mobile device while driving, including while stopped in traffic or at a red light; it is a primary offense. Since June 5, 2026, a violation is a summary offense with a $50 fine plus court costs and fees. Use is allowed when the vehicle is pulled off the road and safely stopped, for emergency contact with police or emergency services, and with hands-free technology. A separate texting-while-driving ban is also a summary offense with a $50 fine. Paul Miller's Law and texting ban (75 Pa.C.S. § 3316); PennDOT, Distracted Driving |
| Rhode Island | Drivers may not use a wireless handset or personal wireless communication device to compose, read, or send text messages, or for any other purpose, while driving, including while stopped at a light or in traffic. Hands-free use, a single swipe or tap, and GPS on a mounted device are allowed, as is use while parked out of traffic and emergency calls. Fines are $100 for a first offense, $150 for a second, and $250 for a third or later. A separate law bars holding a hand-held phone to talk while the vehicle is moving (fine $100). R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-22-30, 31-22-31 |
| South Carolina | Under the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act (effective September 1, 2025), drivers may not hold or support a mobile electronic device with any part of the body; read, compose, or send texts, email, or app content; or watch video. Allowed: use while lawfully parked or stopped, voice-to-text and calls without holding the device, hands-free navigation and audio, earpieces and wrist devices for voice calls, and reporting emergencies. A first offense is a $100 fine; a second or later offense within three years is a $200 fine and 2 points. S.C. Code § 56-5-3890; 2025 Act No. 40 |
| South Dakota | Drivers may not use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle (a Class 2 misdemeanor). Exceptions include emergency use, GPS navigation (but not manually entering information), dialing or selecting a number or name to make or take a phone call and using the device for the call, and voice-operated or hands-free use. Accessing, reading, or posting to social networking sites while driving is also a Class 2 misdemeanor. SDCL §§ 32-26-47.1, 32-26-47.2 |
| Tennessee | Drivers may not physically hold or support a phone or stand-alone electronic device; write, send, or read texts, email, or internet data; reach for a device in a way that takes them out of a seated, belted position; watch video; or record or broadcast video. Drivers 18 and older may use an earpiece, headphones, or wrist device for calls, one button to start or end a call, voice-to-text, and GPS navigation; a mounted device may be operated with a single swipe or tap. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $50 ($100 for a third or later offense or if it causes a crash; $200 in an active work zone or school zone). A first offender may take a driver education course instead of the fine. A second or later violation by a driver under 18 adds 7 points. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-199 |
| Texas | Drivers may not use a portable wireless device to read, write, or send an electronic message while driving unless the vehicle is stopped. Defenses include hands-free use, GPS navigation, reporting illegal activity or emergencies, reading a message believed to concern an emergency, and playing music. A first offense is a fine of $25 to $99; a repeat offense is $100 to $200; causing death or serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor (up to $4,000 and one year in jail). Tex. Transp. Code § 545.4251 |
| Utah | Drivers may not manually use a wireless device while the vehicle is moving to write or send texts, instant messages, or email; dial a phone number; access the internet; record video or take photos; enter data; read written messages; or view videos or photos. Voice calls, viewing GPS or navigation, hands-free or voice-operated technology, vehicle-integrated systems, and emergency or crime/hazard reports are allowed. A violation is a class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100, or a class B misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury or with a prior conviction within three years. Utah Code § 41-6a-1716 |
| Vermont | Drivers may not use a handheld portable electronic device while driving a moving vehicle, or on a public highway even while stopped in traffic or at a light. Hands-free use is allowed, as is activating hands-free use on a securely mounted device, emergency communication with police or emergency services, and mounted navigation. Fines (civil): $100-$200 for a first violation and $250-$500 for a second within two years; in certain designated areas, fines are higher ($200-$400 and $500-$1,000) and 4 points (first) or 5 points (repeat) are assessed. 23 V.S.A. § 1095b |
| Virginia | Drivers may not hold a handheld personal communications device while driving a moving vehicle. Exceptions include reporting an emergency and certain emergency and official vehicles. Fines: $125 for a first offense and $250 for a second or later offense; $250 mandatory in a highway work zone. For a first violation, a court may order a driver improvement clinic instead of a conviction. Va. Code § 46.2-818.2 |
| Washington | Using a personal electronic device while driving is a traffic infraction, including while stopped in traffic or at a light. Prohibited use includes holding the device and using a hand or finger to compose, send, read, view, or browse texts, email, photos, or other data, though a minimal finger use to start or stop a function is allowed. Exceptions include contacting emergency services. A second or later offense carries double the penalty, and penalties double in crash prevention zones. RCW 46.61.672 |
| West Virginia | Drivers may not physically hold or support a phone or electronic device (smartwatches excepted); write, send, or read texts, email, or social media (voice-to-text allowed); make calls except with voice-operated or hands-free features; retrieve data or type into websites or apps; watch or record video; or play games while driving. Fines: up to $100 for a first conviction and up to $200 for a second within 24 months, rising for later offenses. W. Va. Code § 17C-14-15 |
| Wisconsin | Drivers may not compose or send a text message or email while driving (with exceptions for emergency vehicles, integrated vehicle and GPS systems, and others). In highway, railroad, or utility work zones and emergency or roadside response areas where workers are at risk, drivers may not use a cell phone at all except to report an emergency, unless using a voice-operated or hands-free device. Wis. Stat. § 346.89(3), (4m) |
| Wyoming | Drivers may not use a handheld wireless device to write, send, or read text-based communications while driving. Exceptions: when lawfully parked, contacting emergency responders, entering or selecting a phone number or name to make or receive a call, and voice-operated or hands-free technology. A violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $75. Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-237 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.