Electronics in the car can get you were you need to go, entertain the kids and help you in an emergency. However it's important to use electronics safely while driving and follow the law. Click on your state in the map below to find out what laws exist for use of electronics in the car.
Alabama
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast shall be located in a motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat or in any manner so that the driver of the vehicle can see it while in actual control of the vehicle. Statute:Code of Ala. § 32-5-219 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Alaska
Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: Provides a person may not install or alter equipment that allows the images to be viewed by the driver in a normal driving position while the vehicle is in motion. Provides exceptions, including portable cellular telephones or personal data assistants being used for verbal communication, navigation or global positioning systems and vehicle information or controls related to speed, fuel level, battery charge and other vehicle safety or equipment information. A person may not use a personal communications device to text or send email while driving. Statute:HB 88 Penalties: Class A Misdemeanor, Penalties Not Specified (C felony if the person's driving causes physical injury to another person, Class B If Serious Injury, Class A If Death).
Law: A person under 18 years of age may not use a cellular telephone when driving a motor vehicle on a highway or vehicular way or area. Statute: HB 15 amending Sec. 28.35.165 - Pending Penalties: A person who violates this section is guilty of an infraction and may be punished as provided under AS 28.90.010
Video Screen Restriction Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only
Law: The driver of a motor vehicle who is at least 18 but under 21 years of age shall not use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Amendment to Ark 27-51, Act 247 (2009) Penalties: Warning citation for first offense, second violation $50 fine
Law: A person shall not drive a motor vehicle equipped with a television viewer or screen or any other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is either located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat or visible, directly or indirectly, to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute:A.R.S. § 28-963 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: A person who operates a motor vehicle on a highway shall not use a cellular telephone to engage in a call while the motor vehicle is in motion unless the cellular telephone is equipped with a hands-free device. Statute: SB 1443 amending Section 1 Title 28 Chapter 3 - Pending Penalties: Non-moving civil traffic violation - $50. [back to top]
Arkansas
Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: The driver of a motor vehicle who is at least 18 but under 21 years of age shall not use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Amendment to Ark 27-51, Act 247 (2009) Penalties: Warning citation for first offense, second violation $50 fine.
Law: Prohibits drivers of motor vehicles from using handheld wireless telephones to engage in text messaging. Statute: Paul's Law - Amendment to Ark 27-51, Act 181 (2009) Penalties: Unspecified violation - $100 fine.
Law: The driver of a motor vehicle who is at least 18 but under 21 years of age shall not use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Amendment to Ark 27-51, Act 247 (2009) Penalties: Warning citation for first offense, second violation $50 fine. [back to top]
California
Video Screen Restriction Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Ban on Texting While Driving
Law: Prohibits any person from driving a motor vehicle if a video monitor, or a video screen or any other similar device that displays a video signal is operating and is located forward of the driver's seat or is visible to the driver. Provides exceptions for emergency equipment. Statute:California Vehicle Code §2890 (West 2004) Penalties: No Penalty Specified.
Law: Prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Allows exceptions in emergency situations. Statute: California Vehicle Code §12810.3 and §23123 Penalties: $20 for first offense, $50 for each subsequent offense.
Law: A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send or read a text-based communication Statute: California Vehicle Code 23123 (2009) Penalties: Infraction - $20 first offense, $50 for subsequent.
Law: School and transit bus drivers and drivers younger than 18 will be banned for all cell phone use while driving (regardless of hands-freeheadset). Statute: 2007 California Statutes, Chap. 214 Penalties: $20 for first offense, $50 for each subsequent offense. [back to top]
Colorado
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: Makes driving a motor vehicle by a person holding a temporary instruction permit or a minor's instruction permit while using a cellular telephone or other mobile communication device a secondary traffic offense. Statute:Colo. Rev. Statute §42-4-239 (2005) Penalties: $15 fine plus a $2.60 Surcharge.
Law: A person 18 years of age or older shall not use a wireless telephone for the purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry or transmission while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Amending 42-4-239 (2009) Penalties: $50 fine [back to top]
Connecticut
Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Provides exceptions in emergency situation. Prohibits drivers with only learner's permits from using a cell phone while driving. Statute: 2005 Conn. Acts. P.A. 159 (Reg. Sess.) Penalties: Not more than $100 fine.
Law: Television screens prohibited. Video display instrumentation and closed video monitor for backing permitted. Exceptions for refuse collection. Statute:Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-105 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Delaware
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: Prohibits any minor with a level learner's permit or driver's education learner's permit from using a cell phone or similar device while operating a motor vehicle. Provides exceptions during emergency situations or where the permit holder has stopped the vehicle at a location off the lanes of travel. Statute:Del. Code. Ann. Tit. 21, §2710 (2005) Penalties: Young drivers are subject to the same penalties they would face if they were found to be a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle or to have committed a serious moving traffic violation. [back to top]
District of Columbia
Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits the use of a handheld phone while driving. Prohibits drivers with a learner's permit from using a cell phone while driving completely. Statute:2004 D.C. Sat., A15-0311 Penalties: $100 fine for repeat offenders. First time offenders will have their fines suspended, if they submit proof that they have acquired a hands free device.
Law: No television equipment shall be installed in or on any motor vehicle in a manner which will make the reception of the television visible to the vehicle operator while the vehicle is in motion. Statute:D.C. Code of Municipal Regulations 735.2 9 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Florida
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat. Statute:Fla. Stat. §316.0075 (2005) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat Statute: Fla. Stat. § 316.303 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Georgia
Cell phone ban for school bus drivers
Law: Prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a school bus. Statute: Official Code of Georgia Ann. § 40-6-165 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Illinois
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: Prohibits a person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit or a graduated license from driving on a roadway while using a wireless phone, except for emergency purposes, including an emergency call to law enforcement, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency services entity. Statute:Public Act No. 95-338; 2007 SB 140 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Indiana
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits a driver under the age of 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld device. Statute:H.B. 1112 Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: A person may not operate a motor vehicle that has a television set installed so that the screen of the television set can be seen by a person sitting in the driver's seat. Statute:Ind. Code Ann. § 9-19-17-1 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Kansas
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: The permit holder [under 18] shall not operate a wireless communication device while driving a passenger car. Statute: Amending K.S.A. 8-235d, 8-239, 8-296, and 8-297 Penalties: Moving traffic violation. [back to top]
Kentucky
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for School Bus Drivers
Law: A person shall not operate a school bus on any highway while using a cellular telephone while the bus is in motion and transporting one or more children; provides an exception for communications made to and from a central dispatch, school transportation department, or its equivalent when the bus is not equipped with a functioning two-way radio; states that a person operating a school bus shall be allowed to use a cellular telephone in the event of an emergency. Statute: Act No. 138; 2007 HB 230 Penalties: First Offense: $50 fine; Subsequent Offense: $100 fine and shall have his or her school bus endorsement suspended for a period of six months.
Law: Prohibits text messaging by all drivers and the use of cell phones by novice drivers. Statute: ACT 665 Penalties: The first violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $175 dollars. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500. If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this subsection and the law enforcement officer investigating the crash shall indicate on the written accident form that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device at the time of the crash. Any violation of this section shall constitute a moving violation. A law enforcement officer shall enforce the provisions of this section only as a secondary action when the officer detains a driver for an alleged violation of another provision of this chapter. [back to top]
Louisiana
Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for School Bus Drivers
Law: Prohibits text messaging by all drivers and the use of cell phones by novice drivers. Statute: Act 665 and 666 Penalties: The first violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $175. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500. If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed.
Law: Prohibits driving a motor vehicle with a television cable of receiving any prerecorded visual presentation unless the TV is behind the driver's seat or not visible to the driver while he or she is operating the vehicle. Statute:Louisiana Revised Statute 32:365 Penalties: A violation shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, punished by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by a fine not exceeding $500, or both, in the discretion of the court.
Law: Prohibits school bus operators from using cell phones while driving Statute: ACT 355 Penalties: A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, punished by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by a fine not exceeding $500, or both, in the discretion of the court. [back to top]
Maine
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting While Driving
Law: Prohibits a person who has not attained 18 years of age from using a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Statute:Public Law No. 272; 2007 HB 143 Penalties: First Offense: No less than $50; Subsequent Offense: No less than $250.
Law: A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is visible to the operator. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer using a video camera or other video equipment for law enforcement purposes. Statute:29-A M.R.S. § 1921 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: A person commits the traffic infraction of failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle if the person commits a […] traffic infraction […], and the person was engaged in the operation of a motor vehicle while distracted. Statute: Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2117 Penalty: Penalty for traffic violation caused by distraction. [back to top]
Maryland
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits holder of a learner's permit or provisional license who is under age 18 from using a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. Statute:Md. Transportation Code Ann. 21-1123 (2005) Penalties: May suspend a violator's license up to 90 days and issue a restricted license.
Law: A motor vehicle driven on a highway may not be equipped with television-type receiving equipment in front of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver (exceptions for nNavigation system). Statute:Md. Transporation Code Ann. § 22-414 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Massachusetts
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for School Bus Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating such motor vehicle. Statute:ALM GL ch. 90, § 13 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Michigan
Video Screen Restriction
Law: A person shall not operate a motor vehicle that is to be used upon the highways with a television or other similar electronic device that displays a video image that can be viewed by the operator while the motor vehicle is in motion. Statute:MCLS § 257.708b (2008) Penalties: A civil infraction. [back to top]
Minnesota
Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Provides that no person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. Provides exceptions when a wireless communications device is used: (I) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode; (ii) for making a cellular phone call; (iii) for obtaining emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or prevent a crime about to be committed; (iv) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or (v) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties. Statute: H.F. 3800 Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: Prohibits drivers under age 19 who have a provision license or instruction permit form using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Provides exceptions for emergency situations. Statute:2005 Minn. Laws, Chap. 6 Penalties: Ability to get full license restricted.
Law: No television screen shall be installed or used in any motor vehicle where it is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute:Minn. Stat. § 169.471 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Mississippi
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: A person who is authorized to drive under an intermediate license, a temporary learning permit, or a temporary driving permit shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway while using a cellular telephone or PDA to send or receive a written message while the motor vehicle is in motion. Statute: Amending Section 63-1-9 of Mississippi Code 1972 Penalties: Misdemeanor, fine of up to $500. [back to top]
Nebraska
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18 may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device. Statute:L.B. 415 Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: It is unlawful to operate upon any public highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the viewing screen is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle. Statute:R.R.S. Neb. § 60-6,287 (2008) Penalties: Class V misdemeanor. [back to top]
Nevada
Video Screen Restriction
Law: A person shall not drive any motor vehicle equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat. Statute:Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 484.639 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
New Hamphire
Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting while Driving Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle. Statute:RSA 266:75 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law:Prohibits writing a text message and using two hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device while driving. Statute: Pending approval by Governor. Penalties: Violation $100 fine. [back to top]
New Jersey
Video Screen Restriction Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers
Law: It shall be unlawful to operate upon any public highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the viewing screen thereof is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle. Statute:N.J. Stat. § 39:3A-1 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: It is a primary offense for motorists to talk on or text message with hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving. Statute:S1099, S P.L.2007, c.198 Penalties: $100 or $250 fine.
Law: Prohibits drivers younger than age 21 who have only learner's permit from using a mobile phone while driving. Statute:N.J. rev. Stat. §39:3-19 (2005) Penalties: $100 fine or 90-day permit suspension. [back to top]
New Mexico
Video Screen Restriction
Law: It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle equipped with a television screen upon which images may be projected or shown if the screen is within the normal view of the driver of the motor vehicle unless the television is used solely as an aid to the driver in the operation of the vehicle. As used in this section "television screen" does not include closed circuit monitors or computer terminal monitors used by law enforcement agencies in law enforcement motor vehicles. Statute:N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-7-358 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
New York
Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Video Screen Restriction
Law: Drivers prohibited from talking on handheld mobile telephone device while operating a motor vehicle. Statute:N.Y. Veh. And Traffic Code §1225 Penalties: Not more than $100.
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits all drivers under age 18 from using a mobile telephone or technology associated with a mobile telephone while a motor vehicle is in motion. Provides exception for emergency situation. Also prohibits permit holders and provisional license holders from using a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Statute:N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-137.3 (2006) Penalties: $25 fine.
Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute:N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-136.1 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Oklahoma
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute:47 Okl. St. § 12-411 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Oregon
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18 may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device, except in emergencies. Statute: Chapter No. 870; 2007 HB 2872 Penalties: Class D traffic violation.
Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute:ORS § 815.240 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Pennsylvania
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute:75 Pa.C.S. § 4527 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Rhode Island
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits drivers under age 18 from using any mobile telephone (including hands-free devices) while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: R.I Gen. Laws 1-10-6.6 (2006) Penalties: $200-$250 and loss of license until offender's 18th birthday.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-38 (2008) Penalties: Fine of not more than $100. [back to top]
South Carolina
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4440 (2007) Penalties: $100 or be imprisoned for not more than 30 days. [back to top]
South Dakota
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-9 (2008) Penalties: Petty offense. [back to top]
Tennessee
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving. Statute:Tenn. Code Ann. §55-50-311 Penalties: $50 fine and an additional 90 days to move up the ladder toward an unrestricted license.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-105 Penalties: Class C misdemeanor. [back to top]
Texas
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits driver under age 18 from using a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle during the six months period following the original issuance of a class A, B or C license. Statute:2005 SB 1257 Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Statute:Tex. Transp. Code § 547.611 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Utah
Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting while Driving
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-1641 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: Prohibits a person from using a handheld wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic mail communication while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state. Statute: Amends 53-3-218 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Vermont
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute:23 V.S.A. § 1095 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Virginia
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting while Driving
Law: Prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone. Statute:Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-334.01 Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1077 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: Prohibits operation of a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communication device to manually enter multiple letters or text or to read a text message. Statute: 46.2 -1078.1 Penalties: Traffic infraction, fine $20. [back to top]
Washington
Ban on Texting While Driving Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits text messaging while driving. Statute:RCW § 46.61.668Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: Bans the use of cell phones while driving unless the driver is using a hands-free device. Statute:RCW § 46.61.667Penalties: No penalty specified.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:RCW § 46.37.480 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
West Virginia
Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction
Law: Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless communication device while driving by a minor holding a level one instruction permit or a level two intermediate driver's license. Statute:Act No. 180; 2007 SB 412 Penalties: First offense: $25 fine; second offense: $50 fine; third offense: $75 fine.
Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:W. Va. Code § 17C-15-42 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
Wisconsin
Video Screen Restriction
Law: No motor vehicle can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute:Wis. Stat. § 346.89 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top]
