Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law: Cellphone Use While Driving Laws

According to Nolo's website, "Five states have enacted laws banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving: California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. With the exception of Washington, all of these states allow "primary enforcement of an offense." That means that police officers can pull you over for using a handheld cell phone without any other reason for the traffic stop.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have enacted special cell phone driving laws for novice drivers (for example, those with a learner’s permit) or young drivers (such as those under the age of 18). For example, in California, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use any type of communication device while driving.

Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia have banned school bus drivers from using cell phones while passengers are present.

Two states, Washington and New Jersey, have banned text messaging for all drivers.

Some states, including Utah and New Hampshire, lump cell phone use into a larger ban on distracted driving. For example, in Utah, speaking on a cell phone may be a violation if the driver has committed another moving offense."