Distracted Driving Laws by State
- 20 States and D.C. have bans on the use of handheld devices while driving
- All but 2 states have a ban on texting while driving
- Laws often differentiate between novice (typically under 18 years of age) and experienced drivers
Laws concerning distracted driving vary from state to state. The table below will show you some specifics for your state. Remember that no matter where you live, driving distracted is dangerous. To improve your focus while driving check out our Attention and Distraction course.
Want more information about the distracted driving laws in your state?
Visit the sites linked below
| State | Ban On Handheld Device | Ban On Texting | Texting Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | $25 fine | |
| Alaska | x | $10,000 fine & jail time | |
| Arizona | x (Drivers will recieve a warning until 1/1/21, after that day drivers will receive a civi | x | |
| Arkansas | x | $100 fine & 10 days in jail | |
| California | x | x | $20 fine |
| Colorado | x | $50 fine | |
| Connecticut | x | x | $100 fine |
| Delaware | x | x | $50 fine |
| Florida | x | ||
| Georgia | x | x | $150 fine |
| Hawaii | x | x | $200 fine |
| Idaho | x | $85 fine | |
| Illinois | x | x | $75 fine |
| Indiana | x | Up to $500 | |
| Iowa | x | $30 fine | |
| Kansas | x | $60 fine | |
| Kentucky | x | $25 fine plus surcharge | |
| Louisiana | x | $175 fine | |
| Maine | x | x | $250-$500 fine |
| Maryland | x | x | $500 fine |
| Massachusetts | x | $100 fine | |
| Michigan | x | $100 fine | |
| Minnesota | x | x | $135 fine |
| Mississippi | x | $100 fine $500 fine for learner’s permit drivers |
|
| Missouri | $20.50 fine | ||
| Montana | |||
| Nebraska | x | $200 fine | |
| Nevada | x | x | $50 fine |
| New Hampshire | x | x | $100 fine |
| New Jersey | x | x | $100 fine |
| New Mexico | x | ||
| New York | x | x | $235 fine |
| North Carolina | x | $100 fine plus surcharge fee | |
| North Dakota | x | $100 fine | |
| Ohio | x | $150 fine | |
| Oklahoma | x | $100 fine | |
| Oregon | x | x | $250 fine |
| Pennsylvania | x | $50 fine | |
| Rhode Island | x | x | $85 fine |
| South Carolina | x | $25 fine | |
| South Dakota | x | $100 fine | |
| Tennessee | x | x | $50 fine |
| Texas | x | ||
| Utah | x | $100 fine & possible jail time | |
| Vermont | x | x | $156 fine |
| Virginia | x | $20 fine | |
| Washington | x | x | $124 fine |
| West Virginia | x | x | $100 fine |
| Wisconsin | x | $20-400 fine | |
| Wyoming | x | $75 fine | |
| D.C. | x | x | $100 fine |
