MOUNT VERNON — The days of using a cell phone while driving are over in Ohio — at least the legislation will be enforced by law agencies thanks to a new law that begins today.
Starting April 4, it’s illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads, according to the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety’s “phone down” fact sheet. If an officer sees a violation, expect to be pulled over.
This includes dialing a phone number, scrolling on the phone, texting, video calls, watching videos or recording.
The law states drivers can still use hands-free methods like Bluetooth to make calls and drivers can listen to audio streaming apps if they’re turned on before driving. If the driver is under 18 years old it isn’t allowed.
For the next six months, law enforcement will issue warnings for violations but Oct. 5 citations will be issued.
The first offense is two points tagged to the license and up to a $150 fine; second offense is three points, a $250 fine; the third offense is four points; up to a $500 fine and possible 90-day suspension of your driver license.
If the violation occurs in a work zone, fines are doubled.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the new law, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jay Sheffer said, adding the law is another way to make the roadways safe.
Roughly 614 crashes were documented in Knox County in 2022, according to crash statistic date collected by the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety.
Ohio State Highway Patrol have documented 2,058 distracted driving violations from Jan. 1 to April 3, according to OSHP data. Sixteen of those 2,058 citations were in Knox County.
Mount Vernon Police Department is following suit and will enforce the new “phone free” law, Mount Vernon Police Capt. Scott McKnight said. “Folks need to be aware of the current law,” McKnight said. “You need to be pretty much hands free (in the car. That’s the easiest thing to remember. You can’t dial a number.”
