Ohio Cell Phone Ban, Primary Offense, $500 Fines, 15,400 Fewer Crashes
What Does Ohio’s Cell Phone Ban Law Prohibit?
Ohio’s cell phone ban prohibits drivers from using, holding, or supporting any electronic device with their hands, lap, or body while driving. Senate Bill 288 made distracted driving a primary offense April 4, 2023—police can pull you over just for holding your phone. Banned activities include texting, social media, video calls, entering navigation, taking photos, and browsing. Penalties: $150 and 2 points (first offense) to $500, 4 points, and 90-day suspension (third offense). Exceptions exist for hands-free use, emergency calls, and holding your phone to your ear during calls.
Here’s what happened when enforcement began: Ohio State Highway Patrol citations jumped 263%. They went from 19 citations per day to 69 per day. Between October 2023 and October 2024, Ohio saw 15,400 fewer traffic crashes, 1,347 fewer injuries, and 138 fewer deaths. Governor DeWine: “This is exactly what we expected would happen.”
What Changed Under Senate Bill 288
Primary Offense: The Game-Changer
Before April 2023: Police couldn’t stop you just for using your phone—they needed another reason like speeding.
After April 2023: Officers can pull you over the moment they see you holding or using your phone. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.204 now makes this a primary offense statewide.
Sergeant Ryan Purpura shared crash data: “From April 4 through Oct. 4, there were 4,209 distracted driving crashes. That’s down from 5,400 the year before.”
What’s Banned
- Texting or messaging
- Social media scrolling or posting
- Taking photos or videos
- Video calls or FaceTime
- Internet browsing
- Watching videos
- Playing games
- Manually entering navigation addresses
- Holding your phone in hand, lap, or against your body
Even at red lights, these activities are illegal unless you’re fully parked out of traffic.
The Grace Period
April 4 to October 4, 2023: Police issued only warnings. October 5, 2023: Citations became enforceable. Highway Patrol issued 3,575 tickets in the final three months of 2023—a 119% increase.
What You Can Still Do
Hands-Free Technology
Adults over 18 can use Bluetooth, earpieces, speakerphone, or car systems. Activate features with a single touch or swipe only.
Holding Phone to Your Ear
Adults can hold phones during voice calls if you start or end the call with a single touch. No scrolling or texting while holding it.
Navigation
Use GPS if your phone is mounted—not held. Activate or modify with a single touch, swipe, or voice command. Typing addresses while driving is illegal.
Emergency Calls
Always call 911, hospitals, or emergency services regardless of hands-free status.
Parked Vehicles
Use your phone normally when fully parked out of traffic. Red lights don’t count.
Teen Drivers
Drivers under 18 cannot use phones at all while driving—even hands-free. Only emergency calls allowed.
Penalties That Escalate Fast
First Offense:
- Fine up to $150
- 2 points on license
- Alternative: Complete distracted driving course to avoid fine and points
About 15,000 people took the course in year one. One-fourth were out-of-state drivers cited passing through Ohio.
Second Offense (Within Two Years):
- Fine up to $250
- 3 points on license
Third Offense (Within Two Years):
- Fine up to $500
- 4 points on license
- 90-day license suspension
Work Zone Violations: All fines doubled.
Enforcement by the Numbers
Highway Patrol issued 27,597 distracted driving citations in 2024—up from 8,905 in 2023. They average 69 citations daily.
Lieutenant Ray Santiago: “You don’t run around the pool when you see the lifeguard. They’re not seeing us, so that’s a problem.”
Local police enforce less aggressively. A Dayton Daily News investigation found that of 5,860 citations issued April 2023 to April 2024, state troopers issued 5,366. Many large departments reported zero tickets.
The Law’s Dramatic Impact
October 2023 to October 2024 Results:
- 15,400 fewer total crashes
- 1,112 fewer distracted driving crashes
- 1,347 fewer injuries
- 138 fewer deaths
- Nearly 20% reduction in distracted driving fatalities
Screen Time Reduction: Cambridge Mobile Telematics data shows phone handling while driving dropped from 1 minute 39 seconds per hour to 1 minute 26 seconds—a 13.8% decrease.
The company estimates this prevented 3,600 crashes, 2,000 injuries, 17 fatalities, and $337 million in economic damages.
Governor DeWine: “Ohio’s tougher distracted driving law is influencing better behavior behind the wheel.”
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Can I use my phone at a red light? No. You’re still “driving” when stopped at lights or in traffic. Only use your phone when fully parked.
Q: Can I check my GPS while driving? Only if mounted and you’re not holding it. Use single touch, swipe, or voice commands. No manual typing.
Q: What if someone calls me? Answer using hands-free or hold the phone to your ear. Answer with single touch/swipe only.
Q: Can police search my phone? No. They need a warrant or your consent.
Q: How do I avoid the first offense fine? Complete an approved distracted driving course within 90 days. Submit proof to court. You won’t pay the fine or get points, but the violation stays on your record.
Q: Does this apply to passengers? No. Only drivers are restricted.
Q: What devices does the law cover? Smartphones, tablets, laptops, GPS devices, and any electronic communications device. Amateur radio transmitters are exempt.
How to Stay Compliant
Before driving:
- Set navigation before putting car in drive
- Mount your phone if using GPS
- Connect Bluetooth or hands-free devices
- Put phone away completely if possible
While driving:
- Use voice commands for calls and navigation
- Answer calls with single tap using hands-free
- Keep phone mounted if using navigation
- Pull over and park if you must text
If pulled over:
- Be polite and cooperative
- Don’t consent to phone searches without understanding your rights
- Consider the distracted driving course for first offenses
Essential Resources
Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.204: codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.204
Ohio State Highway Patrol: Call #677 for assistance on Ohio roadways
Phones Down Ohio: PhonesDown.Ohio.gov
Ohio BMV: bmv.ohio.gov for license information
What’s Next
Highway Patrol continues high-visibility enforcement, especially during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month each April.
Colonel Charles A. Jones: “In 2024, distracted driving enforcement will continue to be a high priority.”
The bottom line: Ohio’s cell phone ban transformed device use behind the wheel. With 15,400 fewer crashes, aggressive enforcement, and clear penalties, the law is saving lives. Understanding these restrictions is essential for staying safe and legal on Ohio roads.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult an Ohio-licensed attorney for specific guidance.
Last updated: January 2026
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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