Law restricting use of phones while driving goes into effect Tuesday; What to know

COLUMBUS — A law restricting Ohioans from using phones and other devices in most circumstances while driving will go into effect Tuesday.

In January Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law SB 288, making distracted driving a primary offense, and law enforcement will be given more tools to combat it.

The new law allows drivers to be stopped by law enforcement for solely for holding or using a cell phone while driving.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: DeWine signs bill restricting Ohioans from using phones while driving

Drivers may still use their phones under certain circumstances such as if their vehicle is parked or stopped at a red light.

Drivers can also swipe their phones to answer a call and hold the phone to their ears during the conversation. Emergency calls are also permitted.

DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Charles Jones and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks, unveiled a new statewide public awareness campaign to draw attention to Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving laws Monday.

The new campaign encourages Ohio drivers to “Lock Your Screen Before You Rock the Road.”

“Distracted driving crashes aren’t accidents, they’re the result of drivers who make the choice to divert their attention away from the road and risk their lives and the lives of everyone around them,” DeWine said.

>> WATCH: State trooper nearly hit by suspected distracted driver

From 2013 until 2019, more than 91,000 distracted driving crashes occurred throughout the state of Ohio, resulting in 47,000 injuries and 305 deaths, According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“There is nothing worse than having to knock on a door and inform someone that their loved one isn’t coming home. We know distracted driving is dangerous, and we are hopeful that this new law will be a reminder of that,” Jones said.

Warnings will be issued through Oct. 4. After that grace period, authorities will issue tickets. Drivers could be fined up to $150 if it’s your first offense, as well as two points added to your license unless you complete a distracted driving safety course, according to a release by DeWine’s office.

Penalties will increase for repeat offenders.

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