Photo: Raymond Wambsgans, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Indiana has one of the longest teen phone bans in the country. If you are under 21 on a probationary license, you may not use a phone or other telecommunications device while driving at all, except to call 911. Everyone else falls under Indiana’s hands-free law, in force since July 1, 2020. It allows hands-free and voice use but bans holding the device. This guide is for Indiana teens, drivers under 21 and parents.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- Under 21 on a probationary license: no telecommunications device use while driving, hands-free included. Calling 911 in an emergency is the only exception.
- Everyone else: hands-free only. Holding a phone while the vehicle is moving is banned, except to call 911 to report a true emergency.
- A hands-free violation is a Class C infraction with a fine of up to $500.
- Hands-free violations have carried license points since July 2021: 4 points for a hand-held device violation in the Driver’s Manual point examples.
Under 21: the probationary phone ban
Every Indiana license issued before 21 is probationary. Until you turn 21, you may not use a telecommunications device while driving: phones, pagers and text devices. Bluetooth calls, speakerphone and voice texting are all banned. The one exception is calling 911 in an emergency.
The ban lasts longer than the other probationary limits:
| Restriction | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Night and passenger limits (first 180 days) | 180 days |
| Later night limits | Until 18 |
| Telecommunications device ban | Until 21 |
The full list of night hours and passenger exceptions is in Indiana probationary license rules and curfew.
21 and over: what Indiana’s hands-free law allows
INDOT’s Hands-Free Indiana campaign sums up the law this way:
- Allowed: talking hands-free, using speakerphone, Bluetooth, an earpiece or headphones, or voice commands.
- Banned: holding a phone or other device while the vehicle is moving.
- Emergency exception: you may hold the phone to call 911 to report a true emergency.
The safest setup is a mount, with navigation and music started before you pull away.
What a phone ticket costs in Indiana
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Offense level | Class C infraction |
| Maximum fine | $500 |
| Points | 4 points (Driver’s Manual, July 2026). Points have applied since July 2021 |
For a probationary driver, points add up fast, and drivers under 21 with two or more traffic convictions can be required to take a driver safety program. See Indiana BMV points and license suspension.
Scenario: GPS on the way to school
A 17-year-old has a phone in a dashboard mount running a map app. The route was entered before leaving. Halfway there, the app suggests a faster route and the driver taps “accept”. The under-21 rule bans using a telecommunications device while driving, and tapping a phone is using it. The safe habit is to choose the route before you move and ignore prompts, or ask a passenger to handle them. If you are unsure whether a mounted navigation app is allowed for your age, ask the BMV.
Common questions
Can a 19-year-old in Indiana use Bluetooth while driving?
Not if they hold a probationary license, which every license issued before 21 is. The under-21 ban covers hands-free use. Only a 911 call is allowed.
When can I use a phone hands-free in Indiana?
From your 21st birthday. A probationary license cannot be renewed until then, and renewing after 21 gives you an unrestricted license.
Can I hold my phone at a red light in Indiana?
The hands-free law bans holding the device while the vehicle is moving. The under-21 ban applies while driving. Either way, park before you use the phone.
Can I call 911 while driving?
Yes. Calling 911 to report a true emergency is allowed for all drivers, including under 21.
Does the under-21 phone ban apply on a learner’s permit?
The under-21 ban is written for probationary license holders. Every permit holder is still covered by the hands-free law, and a permit is the time to build the no-phone habit you will need on a probationary license. Ask the BMV if you need a firm answer for your permit. Permit rules: Indiana BMV permit test guide.
Back to the complete Indiana learner guide. Other states: hands-free and texting laws.
Sources
- Indiana Department of Transportation, “Hands-Free Indiana” fact sheet and FAQ (in.gov/indot)
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, “Distracted Driving” (in.gov/cji)
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Probationary License” and “Driver Record Points” (in.gov/bmv)
- Indiana General Assembly, “Indiana Code 9-21-8-59 and 9-24-11-3.3” (iga.in.gov)