Hands-Free Phone Laws Now Cover Most US States

More than 30 states and Washington, D.C. now enforce some version of a "hands-free" or "no-touch" phone law, making it illegal for drivers to hold or manually operate a cell phone behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The rules vary by state. Some ban any handheld use outright, while others permit limited actions such as a single tap to answer a call. California has clarified that drivers may not touch a phone at all while driving, even when stopped at a red light.

"No-touch laws are the evolution of texting-while-driving laws," said Ryan McMahon, senior vice president of strategy and corporate development at Cambridge Mobile Telematics. "Those laws were written when texting was the primary concern. Today, drivers are scrolling, using social media, changing music, reading emails and doing countless other things on their phones."

McMahon said the laws also simplify enforcement. "An officer doesn't have to determine whether someone holding a phone was texting, scrolling or doing something else," he said.

Most laws exempt emergency calls to 911, use by law enforcement and first responders, and phone use while a vehicle is safely stopped or parked.

Penalties differ by state but generally follow a pattern: a fine for a first offense, followed by steeper fines, license points, or both for repeat violations. First-offense fines commonly range from $50 to $150 and can climb past $200 to $500 for subsequent violations within a set period, sometimes with added court fees. Alaska and Georgia are among states that escalate to misdemeanor charges or license suspension for habitual offenders.

Beyond the ticket, a citation can raise auto insurance premiums for years, according to experts. Because penalties and enforcement rules vary and change often as legislatures update distracted driving laws, drivers are advised to confirm the exact rules for their state through its DMV website.

Using Bluetooth along with a phone mount is one way to stay compliant, McMahon said, since it keeps the phone accessible without requiring drivers to pick it up. "Just remember the goal is to minimize interaction with the phone while driving," he added.