In January of 2023, Senate Bill 288 was signed into law, and with it came several changes to distracted driving regulations in Ohio. The new distracted driving law will go into effect in April of 2023. It will completely prohibit drivers from making calls, texting or using handheld navigation devices.
Here’s what you need to know:
Until recently, phone use while driving was a secondary offense unless you were under the age of 18. The new distracted driving law makes it a primary offense, although officers can only issue written warnings for six months after the law goes into effect.
There are some exceptions to the new distracted driving rules, including:
Ohio Governor DeWine states, “…it’s no coincidence that evolving smartphone technology has coincided with increasing roadway deaths and injuries.” These increased restrictions are intended to improve safety on Ohio roads. The new law dictates that traffic reports of distracted driving cases must now be documented and reported along with additional demographic data to identify trends.
With distracted driving as a primary offense, law enforcement has the right to pull over anyone holding a phone. Previously, distracted driving for adults could only be cited if a driver was pulled over for something else, like speeding or running a light.
Penalties include:
Penalties increase with each repeated offense. You can potentially avoid penalties for the first offense if you agree to take a distracted driving course instead. Also, all cell phone-related fines are doubled within construction zones.
The new distracted driving law will go into effect officially on April 3rd of 2023. This is 90 days after the bill was passed.
There is a six-month grace period where police officers can still pull you over for phone use while driving, but they will only issue a warning. Following this warning period, citations may be issued.
Have you been in a distracted driving accident in Ohio? At the Buckeye Law Group, we represent those that have been injured by distracted drivers on the road. Give us a call at 1-800-411-PAIN for a free case evaluation.
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