Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

In what states can you talk on a cellphone while driving?

I’m from a state where it’s illegal to use a cellphone while driving, but I’m traveling to California and want to know if I can be cited for using my phone in the car. Are there states where it’s legal to use your cellphone while driving?

avatar
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A
distracted driving ticket
is not something you want on your driving record as it carries a hefty fine and demerit points—so knowing the cell phones laws is important! No states completely ban all phone use while driving, so you can talk on a cellphone while driving anywhere.
That said, several states completely prohibit the use of hand-held phones while driving. The hands-free states include:
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
Additionally, 36 states ban phone use for newer drivers and 19 states plus Washington D.C. prohibit cell phone use by school bus drivers in the presence of children.
With laws that are constantly changing, it’s important to state up to date on cellphone laws to avoid potentially hefty fines and points on your driving record—and increases to your insurance premiums. Car insurance super app
Jerry
helps you stay up to date on all the latest cell phone laws in the U.S. and finds you the best deals on car insurance. Sign up in less than one minute and Jerry searches through more than 50 of the top insurance providers to get you the best deal on the coverage you need.
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