Since April 4, 2023, holding or using a phone while driving has been a primary offense in Ohio, which means an officer can pull you over for that reason alone. The six-month warning period ended in October 2023, and citations are now part of everyday traffic enforcement around Columbus. Ohio’s version of a hands-free law has a few twists that surprise drivers, and those details can matter after a crash.
What Adult Drivers Can and Can’t Do
| Generally Allowed for Drivers 18 and Older | Generally Not Allowed While Driving |
|---|---|
| Speakerphone, earpieces, and vehicle Bluetooth systems | Typing or sending a text by hand |
| Holding a phone to your ear for a call started or ended with a single touch or swipe | Dialing a phone number by hand |
| Using a phone while stopped at a red light or parked | Browsing social media or the internet |
| Navigation or music started before driving, or adjusted with a single touch | Watching, recording, or streaming video |
| Calling to report an emergency | Video calls |
Stricter Rules for Teens
Drivers under 18 can’t use a phone at all while driving, even in hands-free mode.
Where the Law Meets Your Auto Claim
Can phone use affect fault?
Yes. Evidence that a driver was using a phone at the time of a crash can weigh heavily in fault decisions. Under Ohio’s modified comparative fault rule, a driver found more than 50% at fault generally can’t recover damages from others.
Does a citation change my coverage?
A distracted driving citation doesn’t usually change how your current policy responds to a covered claim, but violations can affect how insurers view a driver over time.
What coverage helps most?
Liability protects others if you’re at fault. Collision repairs your car regardless of fault, and uninsured motorist coverage can help when a distracted driver who hits you lacks enough insurance.
Solid Insurance in Columbus, OH can review your auto insurance and help families with new drivers. Policy terms vary. Drivers across Columbus, OH and Central Ohio can reach out to Solid Insurance or browse our insurance blog.
