Photo: Reina Findley, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ohio’s distracted driving law bans every driver from holding or using a phone while driving. Drivers under 18 face a stricter rule: no phone use at all, even hands-free. This guide explains what each rule allows, the penalties, and how they affect learners and new drivers.
Key facts
- In force: the hands-free law for all drivers took effect on April 4, 2023. For the first six months officers could only give written warnings. Full enforcement followed.
- Primary offense: police can stop you just for using a phone. They must see you using, holding or supporting the device.
- First offense (18 and over): a fine of up to $150 and 2 points, unless you complete a distracted driving safety course. Repeat offenses carry higher fines and more points. Check the current figures with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
- Under 18: TIPIC and probationary license holders may not use a wireless device in any manner while driving. This includes hands-free calls (Ohio Revised Code 4511.205).
What you can and can’t do with a phone in Ohio
| Action while driving | Driver 18 or older | Driver under 18 (TIPIC or probationary) |
|---|---|---|
| Hold or support the phone | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Type, text, or enter letters or numbers | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Hands-free call (Bluetooth, speaker, earpiece) | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Single touch or swipe to answer or end a call | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Hold the phone to your ear for a call | Allowed | Not allowed |
| GPS navigation | Allowed if you don’t hold it or type; set the route before you drive | Only voice-operated or hands-free, and you must not touch it while driving |
| Emergency call (police, fire, hospital) | Allowed | Allowed |
The safest habit for a learner is the under-18 rule: phone on Do Not Disturb and out of reach, with the route set before you move.
Penalties for using a phone while driving in Ohio
Drivers 18 and older
- First offense: a fine of up to $150 and 2 points on your license. A distracted driving safety course can avoid the points.
- Repeat offenses within two years: higher fines and more points. A third offense can bring a license suspension.
- Points add up with other violations. Ohio suspends a license at 12 points within two years (BMV 2401). See Ohio OVI law and license suspensions.
Drivers under 18
- Breaking the under-18 device ban (Ohio Revised Code 4511.205) brings a $150 fine and a 60-day suspension of your license or permit. If you were already adjudicated for the same offense, it is $300 and a one-year suspension.
- Any moving violation also counts toward a probationary suspension. Under BMV 2401, two moving violations before 18 means a juvenile driver improvement program, a $40 reinstatement fee and retaking the full license exam. A third means a one-year suspension (fee as listed in BMV 2401, revision 11/15; check the current amount).
Scenarios new Ohio drivers ask about
- You are 17 and your parent calls. Don’t answer, even on Bluetooth. Pull over and park safely first.
- You are 19 and on the permit. The adult rules apply to you. Hands-free calls are allowed, but you are still learning, so keep the phone away.
- Your supervising adult is in the passenger seat. The rules apply to the driver. Let your supervisor handle navigation and messages.
- Stopped at a red light. You are still driving. Don’t pick up the phone.
Common questions
Can I use Bluetooth at 17 in Ohio?
No. Drivers under 18 with a TIPIC or probationary license cannot use a wireless device in any manner while driving, and that includes hands-free calls.
Can I use GPS as a teen driver in Ohio?
Yes, if it is voice-operated or hands-free and you don’t touch it while driving. Set the route before you leave.
Is texting at a stop light allowed in Ohio?
No. You are still operating the vehicle.
Can police stop me just for holding my phone?
Yes. Phone use is a primary offense. The officer must see you using, holding or supporting the device.
Can the police search my phone?
Not without a warrant or your consent.
Can I avoid the points for a first offense?
Yes. For drivers 18 and older, completing a distracted driving safety course after a first offense avoids the 2 points. Check how to enroll with the court that handles your ticket.
What should I do with my phone on the Ohio road test?
Switch it off and put it out of reach before you start. See the Ohio driving test.
Related: Ohio probationary license rules, Ohio TIPIC rules, and hands-free laws in other states. Back to the Ohio learner driver guide.
Sources
- Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Reinstatement Procedures (BMV 2401, 11/15)” (dam.assets.ohio.gov)
- Ohio Revised Code, “Section 4511.205” (codes.ohio.gov), search-result extract only
- Ohio Revised Code, “Section 4511.204 Driving while texting (4-4-2023)” (codes.ohio.gov), search-result extract only
- Office of the Governor of Ohio, “Governor DeWine Signs Bill that Strengthens Distracted Driving Laws in Ohio” (governor.ohio.gov), search-result extract only
- Ohio Department of Public Safety, “Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3: Be Alert” (publicsafety.ohio.gov), search-result extract only