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Ohio Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Ohio bans holding or using any electronic wireless device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Ohio bans holding or using any electronic wireless device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The ban dates from 2023 (O.R.C. 4511.204).

Official source: codes.ohio.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Ohio

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IndianaRestricted
Indiana bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect July 1, 2020 under HEA 1070. IC 9-21-8-59 says you may not hold a telecommunications device while driving.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. You can't write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving (KRS 189.292). Adults may still hold the phone to talk.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganRestricted
Michigan bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect June 30, 2023. MCL 257.602b says you shall not hold or use a mobile electronic device while driving.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legislature.mi.gov · Full Michigan rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
Under Paul Miller's Law, Pennsylvania bans handheld use of any interactive mobile device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The law took effect June 5, 2025 with warnings only in its first year, and $50 fines began June 5, 2026 (75 Pa.C.S. 3316.1).
Verified Jul 13, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires all drivers to go hands-free: you may not physically hold or support a device, and you may not make handheld calls (WV Code 17C-14-15).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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