Ohio to launch statewide distracted driving awareness campaign ahead new bill

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine is set to join the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS,) Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP,) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to unveil a statewide public awareness campaign to remind drivers of the new distracted driving laws.

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This morning, officials will join DeWine at the ODPS Atrium to go over the new campaign, according to a release.

Starting from April 4, it will be deemed unlawful in the majority of instances for a driver to utilize or hold a cell phone or any electronic gadget while operating a vehicle on Ohio roads.

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Using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving will be a primary offense in Ohio, allowing immediate enforcement action by police upon seeing a violation.

There will be a six-month grace period where law enforcement will issue warnings to help drivers learn the new law.

The grace period will end on October 4, 2023.

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