Questions raised on new law restricting use of phones while driving

DAYTON — In just two days, checking your phone while driving could cost you money and add points to your license.

Senate Bill 288 goes into effect with the goal of cracking down on distracted driving.

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

News Center 7’s Taylor Robertson looked into what the new the law says as it goes into effect Tuesday.

When Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 back in January, he said it was going to save lives.

“Quite simply, distracted driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving is, and we need to treat it that way,” he said.

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

The bill says the first time someone is caught on their phone behind the wheel, they have the option to take a class to remove the points from their license.

Second-time offenders could pay up to $250 in fines.

Third-time offenders could see a fine up to $500.

Robertson says there are exceptions to the law such as using your GPS, holding your phone to your ear calling 911 or while stopped at a red light.

Emergency and public safety workers can also be on their phones while they work.

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

Robertson spoke with people Sunday night and they had some questions about the new distracted driving law.

“How are they gonna know if it’s in your lap?” asked Linda Dalton of Huber Heights. “Or how are they going to know you are on your phone?”

She has grandkids who are brand new to driving and was asked if this law gave her any peace of mind about them hitting the roads.

“I guess I have mixed feelings about it,” Dalton told Robertson. “I suppose it’s a good thing, but at other times, you know, sometimes they need to make a call.”

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Andrew Christen said he’s only had his license for about a year, but he has already seen his fair share of distracted drivers.

“There’s a lot of people that are always on their phones. It’s very reckless,” he said. “I see it coming to and from school all the time. A lot of close calls could be accidents.”

He told Robertson distracted driving makes him a little nervous.

“I think not only texting, but a lot of people were always calling and sometimes, the GPS is a big factor in it too,” said Christen.

He said he does not think this law would solve the problem.

“I don’t think there really is a solution because you can’t prove a lot of it, but if you could minimize it, it’d be a lot better,” he told Robertson. “It’s very dangerous and you shouldn’t be doing it at all.”

>>RELATED: Bill to expand distracted driving laws moves to Senate

Distracted driving caused 31 deadly crashes in 2022, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

It also led to nearly 300 crashes with serious injuries.

When this bill goes into effect, there will be a six month grace period where people can still be pulled over for being on their phone while driving but law enforcement will be issuing warnings.

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