States that require hands free headset: Cell Phone Driving Laws by State

Legislation for laws requiring Hands Free cell phone usage are in effect all over the USA.

Ironically, it has been proven wired hands-free headsets often increase radiation exposure when not shielding microwave radiation from traveling up the headsets wire going to the ear bud.  

Learn More Here: Cell Phone Radiation Exposure Can Increase When Using Wired Hands-Free Headsets

Everyone also needs to be aware that over all intensity of radiation inside a vehicle can amplify exposure when using a cell phone while driving because –  Cell Phones Increase RF Radiation Output Inside Vehicles – Faraday Effect

Here’s a list of how individual states are dealing with the issue and more specifically how it affects you.

If you don’t see your state listed below, it simply means there is currently no cell phone driving laws on the books. If you want the latest and most current information on the topic, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 

• California

Beginning in July 2008, teens with learner’s permits can’t talk on cell phones, send text messages, or use other interactive electronic devices while driving. Simultaneously, all drivers need to use hands-free devices while driving.

• Colorado

Drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while driving.

• Connecticut

Hands-free devices are required while using a phone while driving.

• Delaware

Drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while operating a car.

• District of Columbia

All drivers must use a hands-free device while operating a car. Additionally, drivers with a learner’s permit can’t use a cell phone while operating a car.

• Florida

Drivers can use a cell phone while operating a car as long as the sound goes through only one ear; the other ear must be kept free to hear surrounding sound.

• Illinois

Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while operating a car. Additional restrictions may exist by jurisdiction.

• Maine

Drivers with a learner’s permit or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use a cell phone while driving.

• Maryland

Drivers with a learner’s/intermediate permit or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use a cell phone while driving.

• Massachusetts

Drivers can use the cell phone while driving as long as it does not get in the way of the vehicle’s operation and one hand is on the wheel at all times.

• Minnesota

Drivers with a learner’s permit or under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving.

• Nebraska

Beginning in January 2008, teens with provision, learner’s, or school permits can’t talk on cell phones, send text messages, or use other interactive electronic devices while driving.

• New Hampshire

Cell phone use while driving is not forbidden, but fines are imposed on drivers who cause accidents while on the phone.

• New Jersey

Drivers need to use a hands-free devices while driving, but the measure can only be enforced when the driver is violating another law. Additionally, drivers under age 21 or those on a graduate license permit/provisional license can’t use a phone while operating a vehicle.

• New Mexico

Drivers of state vehicles must use a hands-free device when using a cell phone while driving. Both students and instructors in driver education situations are forbidden from using cell phones in the course of behind-the-wheel training. Additional restrictions may exist by jurisdiction.

• New York

Hands-free devices are required while using a phone while driving.

• North Carolina

Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving, except to call 911 or parents.

• Ohio

Currently, there are no state laws, however, laws may vary by jurisdiction.

• Oregon

Beginning in January 2008, drivers with a learner’s permit and intermediate license holders can’t use a cell phone while operating a vehicle.

• Pennsylvania

Currently, there are no state laws, however, laws may vary by jurisdiction.

• Rhode Island

Drivers under the age of 18 can’t use a cell phone while driving.

• Tennessee

Drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license can’t use a cell phone while driving on a highway.

• Texas

Drivers with a learner’s permit/intermediate license or under the age of 18 with restricted licenses can’t use any handheld wireless device while driving.

• Utah

State law covers “careless driving” offenses, such as when a driver commits a traffic violation while, for example, holding a cell phone.

• Virginia

Drivers with intermediate licenses can’t use a cell phone or headset while driving.

• Washington

Beginning in January 2008, drivers can’t compose or send text messages while driving. Starting July 2008, hands-free devices will be required for cell phone use while driving.

• West Virginia

Drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license can’t use a cell phone while driving.