. If caught texting and driving, motorists over 18 will face a $100 fine while drivers under 18 will have their license suspended or revoked. Additionally, commercial and public transit drivers will see a hefty $500 fine and have a misdemeanor reported on their record.

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What are the texting and driving laws in Oklahoma?

Texting while driving is considered a primary offense for all drivers in Oklahoma, which means you can be pulled over for it whether or not you’re committing any other moving violations.

In addition to texting while driving, Oklahoma’s current distracted driving law also prohibits the following while you’re driving:

Posting to social media, checking email, and browsing the internet

Any cell phone use by commercial or public transit drivers

Any use of handheld devices to talk or text by drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses.

MORE:

Texting and driving laws, explained

What are the penalties for texting and driving in Oklahoma?

Fines and penalties for texting and driving in Oklahoma depend not only on the driver’s age but also their occupation.

Adult drivers: $100 fine

Drivers under 18: License suspended or revoked

Commercial and public transportation drivers: $500 fine and a misdemeanor

MORE:

How to get a suspended license reinstated

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

Yes. While it is always illegal to text and drive in Oklahoma, the state does not completely ban all drivers' cell phone and handheld device use. Oklahoma makes exceptions to its distracted driving laws for the use of:

Voice-to-text technology (drivers may use their hands to activate or deactivate this feature)

Devices physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle

Voice-operated GPS and navigation systems integrated with or affixed to the vehicle

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs)

Oklahoma also makes exceptions to the all-device ban for teens and for all drivers who need to use their devices to communicate with

Law enforcement

Emergency services

Hospitals, physicians' offices, or health clinics

The Oklahoma texting and driving ban only applies when your vehicle is in motion. This means you can check and send texts while waiting at a red light or a stop sign.

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

Yes. Oklahoma’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.

Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?

While distracted driving citations in Oklahoma do not add points to your driving record, statistics prove that distracted driving, especially texting and driving, is often the cause of other much more serious moving violations and accidents.

In 2018 alone, the

Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO)

reported distracted driving accidents resulted in the injury or death of 1,413 people. Young people are especially susceptible: 476 of these crashes involved drivers under 25.

If you’re a driver with a clean record in Oklahoma, you can expect to pay an average of $1,722 annually for car insurance. If your insurance company finds out about even a single instance of texting and driving, you can expect to see your rates increase to an average of $2,138 annually. That’s a 24% increase, or an additional $416 a year on your insurance.

So be smart, be safe, and

keep your insurance rates low

by stashing that cell phone while you’re on the road.

MORE:

How much a distracted driving ticket costs you in the long run

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FAQs

Can you go to jail for texting and driving in Oklahoma?

No—unless your distracted driving results in a fatality or other much more serious violation. However, depending on your age and occupation, you could find yourself without a license or facing a misdemeanor charge.

How serious is texting and driving?

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.

Can I check my texts at a stop sign or red light in Oklahoma?

Yes—Oklahoma's texting and driving laws only apply when your vehicle is in motion.

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