Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road is distracted driving. Yes, there’s still craziness (eating, putting on makeup) that leads to crashes. However, the world of technology (texting) has greatly enhanced the possibility of an accident. Distracted driving is estimated to be the cause of 300,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities every year.
Currently, many states have initiated laws that prohibit driving while using devices. While those laws may seem unified, every state’s regulations are unique, with their own laws and edicts for enforcement. So, what you can do and what may happen in New York may not pass the test in Texas.
State Exception to Device Usage While Driving
The majority of states have strict laws. However, distracted driving laws are not as stringent in Montana and Missouri. In Montana, there are statewide bans, but jurisdictions enforce their own ordinances. Missouri only forbids device use by drivers under the age of 21.
State Distracted Driving Laws
Here are key aspects of distracted driving laws across states.
Texting bans: 49 states ban texting while driving. Over 40 of those territories use primary enforcement to police the distraction.
Handheld phone bans: D.C., almost three dozen states, and a number of territories completely prohibit drivers from using cellphones when behind the wheel.
Novice/teen drivers: Not surprisingly, a large number of distracted accidents involve a younger crowd. It’s why many states and D.C. have a law that bans phone use specifically for novice and teen drivers.
“No touch”/Hands-free driving: New York is among several states with a “no touch” law banning the handling of any device. The law applies even if a vehicle is even momentarily stopped in traffic.
School buses: The idea of a professional driver transporting children while using a phone seems improbable, but it happens. To combat the situation, D.C. and 25 states have laws that strictly ban bus drivers from taking out their cells.
School and Work Zones: Several states further restricted cellphone use in high-risk areas, including a new Oklahoma law that restricts all cell phone use in school and work zones.
Penalties: Violations of the driving bans result in fines that vary across states. On average, first offenses cost between $75 and $250. Repeat offenses can inflate fines to $1,000.
There are exceptions, depending on the location. For instance, reaching out to report medical or illegal activity to the proper authorities may not be subject to violation.
Types of Enforcement
Distracted driving enforcement consists of two types.
Primary enforcement: In many states, the police can pull you over for just having a phone in your hand while driving. That fine can go up if the driver’s actually using the phone, even at a light. Under Primary enforcement in Georgia, you can be fined $50 and assessed one point on your driver’s license for a first offense.
Secondary enforcement: In some jurisdictions, if an officer pulls you over for a different violation and discovers you’re using a phone, you can only be cited.
Impact of Driving Distracted
Fines for texting and driving are an annoyance. However, no one can argue that an accident is far worse. In comparison to that, besides the fine, the consequences of getting caught are relatively insignificant.
- In most states, points on your license are mandatory.
- The infraction can lead to higher insurance premiums.
- Like getting any ticket, insurance rates can go up.
- Repeat offenses and accrued points can lead to license suspension.
- Repeat offenses can prompt court appearances or, if there’s an accident, an arrest.
Conclusion
Every state has its rules for keeping roads safe. While there may be no laws on the books about eating, you can be pulled over if any action is considered risky. But mobile devices have been regulated with enforcement and penalties. So, if you have to use your device for any reason, even to operate the GPS, pull over. Because once the car is in motion, the law wants you to focus on the road, not the phone.