Using cell phones while driving

Using cell phones while driving

It is illegal to drive and:

• Talk on a cell phone
• Text or e-mail
• Wear headphones while driving, unless it is a single-sided headset for a cell phone
• Watch videos or TV while driving

A driver can use a cell phone while driving in the following situations:

• To report an emergency and get help
• When a driver is on the shoulder of the road and parked
• When using a GPS device, including devices that come with the car
• When using a hands-free or voice-operated function on a phone, like a headset, Bluetooth device, earpiece, or speakerphone

Fines for using a cell phone while driving include:

• $75 the first time
• $100 the second time
• $125 the third time
• $150 for every time after the third time

A driver may also have his or her license suspended after getting caught 4 times.

Note: Drivers under 19 can never use cell phones, even ones that are hands-free, except in case of emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health-care provider, or emergency services agency.