In the United States, texting while driving is a major legal violation. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 49 states, Washington, DC and many US territories have banned texting while driving. Montana is the only state that does not have a statewide ban on texting while driving.
Law enforcement agencies take text messaging while driving and handhold cell phone bans very seriously. In most jurisdictions, these laws are enforced under primary enforcement rules. This means an officer can pull you over and issue a ticket solely for seeing you text—no other traffic violation is required.
Drivers face stricter cell phone penalties than ever before, and with good reason: distracted driving is a leading cause of severe injuries and preventable fatalities on our highways.
Under national safety campaigns like the NHTSA’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay”, police departments frequently run high-visibility enforcement windows to penalize distracted drivers and reduce road casualties.
Safe Cell Phone Habits While Driving Include:
- Setting up your device before you start driving;
- Loading any programs (GPS, Music, Podcasts) before moving;
- Designating a Co-Pilot;
- Pulling over for emergencies;
- Activating “Do Not Disturb;” and
- Stowing the Device.
It takes a safety mindset to resist texting while driving. Remaining safe on the road requires intentional, undistracted focus.
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