From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
This month we would like to discuss Distracted Driving and the differences in the laws for adult offenders verses juvenile offenders.
Adult Offenders
In Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cellphone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over.
Drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including:
- Speakerphone
- Earpiece
- Wireless headset
- Electronic watch
- Connecting phone to vehicle
What’s Off Limits?
- Dialing a phone number
- Sending a text message
- Updating or browsing social media
- Video calls or Facetime
- Browsing the internet
- Watching videos
- Playing games
- Recording or streaming video
In most cases, anything more than a single touch or swipe is against the law.
Juvenile Offenders
If you are under the age of 18, it is illegal for you to use any electronic device while driving, even while sitting at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, or while using hands-free devices. The only exceptions are:
- Using a navigational device, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Teens cannot manipulate or input information into the device while driving.
- For emergency purposes, in contacting law enforcement, a hospital, health care provider, fire department or similar emergency entity.
- If the driver is stationary and outside a lane of travel.
The penalties are also quite different for a Juvenile Offender. As a Juvenile Offender, the law requires a fine of $150 and a suspension of your driver’s license for a minimum of 60 days be imposed. In comparison, an adult has the choice to complete a distracted driving course to avoid the court fine, costs, and points on their driver’s license. A juvenile does not have this choice.
Keep in mind – even if you can, that doesn’t mean you should!
