Everything You Need to Know About Ohio’s Texting and Driving Laws

Texting and driving in Ohio is a primary offense for drivers under 18 and secondary for those over 18. Regardless of age, the offense carries a minimum $150 fine.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ohio
classifies texting and driving as a primary offense for drivers under 18 and a secondary offense for those over 18. No matter your age, the offense carries a minimum $150 fine for all drivers. Teens caught texting and driving will also have their license suspended for 60 days on their first offense. 
Though Ohio’s statewide ban on texting and driving is enforced differently for adults and minors, several towns and cities have written their own laws to supersede the state mandate, making texting while driving a primary offense for all offenders, not just those under 18. 
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What are the texting and driving laws in Ohio?

Texting while driving is enforced as a primary offense for drivers under 18 and a secondary offense for adults 18 and over in Ohio. This means a minor can be pulled over just for texting and driving, but an adult can only be fined if they’re caught texting and driving while engaged in another primary offense. 
In 2018, distracted driving caused 13,867 crashes in Ohio resulting in 508 serious injuries and 52 deaths. So, in an effort to further prevent texting and driving, several towns and cities throughout Ohio have written their own laws making texting and driving a primary offense for drivers of all ages. If you’re caught texting and driving in any of the following towns, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re getting pulled over:
Ohio’s current law only fully bans cell phone use while driving for motorists under 18. However, any distracting behavior—like eating or adjusting the radio—can get you a citation if you break another law while performing it.
While the state as a whole permits the use of handheld devices—like GPS systems—some Ohio towns and cities have enforced their own bans on these too. If you find yourself in any of the following locations, you’ll need to switch to Bluetooth:
Key Takeaway Be sure to check whether the Ohio city you’re entering has additional laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices.

What are the penalties for texting and driving in Ohio? 

Ohio’s penalties for texting and driving change depending on the driver’s age and the number of offenses. Committing another moving violation at the same time you text and drive can also lead to additional fines.
Here’s how it all breaks down:
Age
Offense
Fines
Additional penalties
Adult driver
Any offense
$150 ($100 additional fine if offense is committed at the same time as another moving violation)
None
Driver under 18
1st offense
$150 ($100 additional fine if offense is committed at the same time as another moving violation)
60-day license suspension
Driver under 18
2nd and subsequent offenses
$300 ($100 additional fine if offense is committed at the same time as another moving violation)
Up to 1-year license suspension
In addition to the fines and penalties listed above, drivers who commit another moving violation while distracted will also be fined up to an additional $100 enhanced court fine. Drivers can avoid this fine by providing written evidence they’ve completed the
state-approved distracted driver course

Are there exceptions to Ohio’s texting and driving law? 

Yes. Using preprogrammed GPS devices and other navigation systems is permitted under Ohio law. Adults over 18 are not banned from using other handheld devices, and drivers under 18 may use a cell phone to call emergency services
The Ohio texting and driving ban does extend to checking texts while stopped at a red light or stop sign. So if you think you have an important text to check or send, be sure to pull over and legally park your car first.

Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers? 

Yes. Ohio’s fines and penalties are higher for drivers under 18 who violate texting and driving laws, and the law also restricts them from using cell phones while driving.
Key Takeaway It is illegal to text and drive in Ohio, but you can legally use a GPS or navigation system. If you’re over 18, you can use your handheld device unless it’s banned by the city where you’re driving.

Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?

Distracted driving is considered a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, but the offense does go on your
driving record
. This means it can cause your insurance premiums to go up.
In Ohio, the average annual
car insurance
rate for a driver with a clean record is $960. After a single texting and driving offense, that average rate jumps to $1,290. That’s an increase of $330, or 34%! 
So put your phone down, keep yourself and others safe, and
keep your insurance rates low
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FAQs

No—unless your distracted driving results in a fatality or other much more serious violation. However, repeat offenses can lead to higher fines and license suspensions.
Texting while driving is among the leading forms of distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving causes about 3,000 deaths a year—and that number seems to be on the rise. For instance, 2019 saw a 9.9% increase in distracted driving fatalities compared to the previous year.
No. Texting any time your car is not legally parked is banned in Ohio.
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