Most states have addressed and regulated the use of cell phones while driving. Some cities have different laws, mostlyadditional restrictions or additional fines. Knowing what is legal and illegal, and hat possible fines you could incur will help you to better obey the law.
Regardless of whether or not it is illegal for you to use a cell phone while driving, it's important to be cautious when making calls. Distracted driving can be a significant safety hazard, especially when you're traveling in heavy traffic or under poor weather condition. Get the distracted driving facts here, and make an informed decision to partake in such risky behavior.
Find your city below to learn your local laws:
Atlanta
Cell phone restrictions:
All drivers under age 18 are banned from cell phone use.School bus drivers cannot use a cell phone while loading and unloading passengers, nor while the bus is in motion.Texting restrictions:All drivers, regardless of age, are banned from texting while behind the wheel.
Cell phone restrictions:
Drivers under 18 are banned from using any mobile device for any reason while driving.Texting restrictions:All drivers, regardless of age or license status, are banned from texting while behind the wheel.
Chicago
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
Illinois bans cell phone use for all drivers. All drivers of all ages are banned from texting and using a cell phone while driving. Only drivers over the age of 18 years old are permitted to use a hands-free device while operating a vehicle.
Indiana:
Drivers under 18 are forbidden to use wireless phones while driving, even hands-free.All drivers, regardless of age or license status, are banned from texting while behind the wheel. It is a primary offense for all bans.
Detroit
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
Michigan doesn't have a statewide ban on cell phone usage while driving, although some jurisdictions have restrictions. Cell phone use is seen as a secondary offense and drivers can only be charged after being pulled over for something else. Fines range from $100 and up.
The state does, however, ban texting. This applies to all drivers, regardless of age, while behind the wheel.
Los Angeles
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
It is illegal to drive a vehicle while using a wireless device (cell phones, tablets, etc.) to read, write or send text messages and emails. You may use your cell phone on the road with a hands-free device such as a speakerphone option or standard or Blue Tooth headset.
Drivers under 18 are forbidden to use wireless phones while driving (even hands-free).Teen drivers are also forbidden to use text messaging devices, tablets and laptops while driving
Penalties:
The DMV will not assign a violation point on your driving record for this [reportable] offense but it will appear on record$20 base fine for the first offense (keep in minded that certain areas can impose additional penalty fees on top of that)$50 base fine for the next offense (again with the possibility of additional fees.)
As of March 2013, during People of the State of California v. Steven R. Spriggs the Appellate Division of the Fresno County Superior Court clarified that hands-on use of a cell phone's GPS or other map feature while driving is included in the state's law on not using a wireless telephone without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.
New York City
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
New York prohibits all drivers from using portable electronic devices. Including: Talking on a handheld mobile telephone, composing, sending, reading, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving, or retrieving electronic data such as e-mail, text messages, or webpages, viewing, taking, or transmitting images, playing games
Exceptions:
When the driver uses a hands-free mobile telephone, which allows the user to communicate without the use of either hand.Using a handheld electronic device that is affixed to a vehicle surface.Using a GPS device that is attached to the vehicle.When the purpose of the phone call is to communicate an emergency to a police or fire department, a hospital or physician's office, or an ambulance corps.When operating an authorized emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties.
Penalties:
The penalty for a violation of this law shall be 5 driver violation points and a fine, as described below. This is a primary law, which means an officer may stop you if you are observed using a hand held device. It is illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle is in motion.
On July 1, 2013, the following changes to the cell phone/texting laws for drivers with a probationary license, Class DJ, Class MJ or a learner permit took effect. Conviction will result in a mandatory 60-day driver license or permit suspension.A second such conviction within six months will result in a revocation of at least 6 months of a probationary license, or a revocation of at least 60 days for a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit.
Effective, July 26, 2013 fines for mobile phone/portable electronic device use while driving increased. For a first offense, $50 to $150.
For a second offense committed within 18 months, $50 to $200.
For a third or subsequent offense committed within 18 months, $50 to $400.
The surcharge for these violations that occur on or after July 26th is up to $93.
Philadelphia
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
The use of a cell phone is completely prohibited while driving in the city. This ban is also extended to include anyone on a bike, scooter, in line skates, and skateboards. The first offense is a $150 fine, the second offense is a $300 fine.
Pennsylvania
Cell phone restrictions:
No Cell phone restrictions, however there is a strong advisory to first pull off of the road before making or receiving phone calls.Texting restrictions:All drivers, regardless of age or license status, are banned from texting while behind the wheel. This includes any form of messaging i.e. email, Facebook messaging. Violators can be fined up to $50.
New Jersey
Cell phone restrictions:
The use of hand-held cell phones is prohibited while driving.School bus drivers can use cell phones only during emergencies.Any drivers younger than 21 who hold a graduated license permit or a provisional license are prohibited from using a hands-free cell phone.Texting restrictions:Text messaging while driving is illegal.
San Diego
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
It is illegal to drive a vehicle while using a wireless device (cell phones, tablets, etc.) to read, write or send text messages and emails. You may use your cell phone on the road with a hands-free device such as a speakerphone option or standard or Blue Tooth headsetDrivers under 18 are forbidden to use wireless phones while driving (even hands-free)Teen drivers are also forbidden to use text messaging devices, tablets and laptops while driving
Penalties:
The DMV will not assign a violation point on your driving record for this [reportable] offense but it will appear on record$20 base fine for the first offense (keep in minded that certain areas can impose additional penalty fees on top of that)$50 base fine for the next offense (again with the possibility of additional fees)As of March 2013, during People of the State of California v. Steven R. Spriggs the Appellate Division of the Fresno County Superior Court clarified that hands-on use of a cell phone's GPS or other map feature while driving is included in the state's law on not using a wireless telephone without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.
San Francisco
Cell phone and Texting restrictions:
It is illegal to drive a vehicle while using a wireless device (cell phones, tablets, etc.) to read, write or send text messages and emails. You may use your cell phone on the road with a hands-free device such as a speakerphone option or standard or Blue Tooth headset.
Drivers under 18 are forbidden to use wireless phones while driving (even hands-free. )Teen drivers are also forbidden to use text messaging devices, tablets and laptops while driving
Penalties:
The DMV will not assign a violation point on your driving record for this [reportable] offense but it will appear on record$20 base fine for the first offense (keep in minded that certain areas can impose additional penalty fees on top of that)$50 base fine for the next offense (again with the possibility of additional fees.)
As of March 2013, during People of the State of California v. Steven R. Spriggs the Appellate Division of the Fresno County Superior Court clarified that hands-on use of a cell phone's GPS or other map feature while driving is included in the state's law on not using a wireless telephone without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.
Washington D.C.
Cell phone restrictions:
Cell phone restrictions:
Anyone driving through D.C. may only use hands-free cell phones. However, if it's an emergency situation (such as to call law enforcement), a conventional cell phone may be used.Drivers with learner's permits and school bus drivers may not use any sort of cell phone while driving, unless it's for an emergency situation.
Texting restrictions:
All drivers, regardless of license status, are banned from texting while behind the wheel.
Maryland
Cell phone restrictions:
While operating a motor vehicle from using hand-held cell phones.All learner permit and provisional license holders younger than 18 are banned from all cell phone usage.Texting restrictions:Texting is banned for all drivers, regardless of age or license status. This includes checking and sending texts while stopped at a red light.VirginaCell phone restrictions:Intermediate license holders (teen drivers) are banned from using cell phones while driving.
Texting restrictions:
Texting is banned for all drivers. In Virginia, it is considered a primary offense, which means police can pull you over if they suspect you of texting while driving. The fine is $125 for the first offense, and $250 for subsequent offenses.
Source information:
National Conference of Legislatures
National Conference of Legislatures
For more information on the risks and consequences of Distracted Driving visit the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving
For information on the National Safety Council visit their website for information on Distracted Driving Facts.
For New Jersey laws:
http://www.nllawfirm.com/lawyer-attorney-2155309.htmlhttp://handsfreeinfo.com/new-jersey-tough-fines/
No comments:
Post a Comment