Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can police use their phone while driving?

I was heading to the store the other day and saw a cop on their phone while they were driving. I thought it was weird because I’m not allowed to do that. Are cops allowed to use their phones while they’re driving?

avatar
Holden Easterbrook · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s understandable to be frustrated when you see someone doing something that you’re not allowed to do. However, police officers—and other emergency responders, for that matter—have different restrictions when it comes to cellphone use while driving.
Law enforcement and other first responders are exempt from laws that prohibit the use of electronic devices while driving. While that may seem like a double standard, there are perfectly good reasons for the difference:
  • Most often, they’re using the device for work-related reasons
  • They use phones and other devices to help reduce congestion on their vehicle radio
  • They are trained professionals well aware of the dangers that come with using their device while driving
It’s important to keep in mind that just because emergency responders are exempt from certain aspects of
distracted driving
laws doesn’t mean that they’re exempt from potential consequences. If an emergency responder causes an accident due to their use of an electronic device, they could still be held accountable for the damage they caused.
Hopefully, seeing an officer using their phone and driving underlines how common it is for drivers to be distracted while on the road. In order to protect yourself from them, be sure you have the right kind of
car insurance
.
If you’re unsure about your coverage or want to save money on it, download the
Jerry
app. Jerry saves drivers an average of $887 every year and getting quotes takes less than two minutes. To see the savings available in your area, get Jerry today!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings