News Flash

City News & Updates

Posted on: April 5, 2023

Phones Down. It's the Law.

Phones Down News Flash

As of April 4, 2023, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over. Drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including:

  • Speakerphone
  • Earpiece
  • Wireless headset
  • Electronic watch
  • Connecting phone to vehicle

In most cases, anything more than a single touch or swipe is against the law.

Can I Still Use Bluetooth?

This new law allows drivers over 18 to make or receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology such as Bluetooth or integrated systems within the vehicle, as long as you don’t hold or support the device or manually enter letters, numbers, or symbols. If you must physically manipulate your device, you should pull over to a safe location and park your car before handling.

What's Off Limits?

With very few exceptions, anything that involves using, holding, or supporting a device while driving is off limits. This could include:

  • Dialing a phone number.
  • Updating or browsing social media
  • Browsing the internet
  • Playing games
  • Sending a text message (voice to text is legal via "hands free" method)
  • Video call or FaceTime
  • Watching videos (GPS/navigational displays are allowed)
  • Recording or streaming video

Drivers can listen to audio streaming apps and use navigational equipment if they turn them on before getting on the road or use a single touch or swipe to activate, modify, or deactivate them.

Remember, drivers under the age of 18 are still restricted from using their devices in any way, including hands-free features.

Exceptions include:

  • Drivers reporting an emergency to law enforcement, a hospital, health care provider, fire department, or similar emergency entity.
  • Drivers holding a phone to their ear only during phone conversations, if the call is started or stopped with a single touch or swipe. 
  • Drivers holding or using cell phones and other electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure.
  • First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS) using electronic devices as part of their official duties.
  • Utility workers operating utility vehicles in certain emergency or outage situations.
  • Licensed operators using an amateur radio.
  • Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal. 

Keep in Mind - Even if You Can, That Doesn't Mean You Should.

Looking at your cell phone while stopped at a light can potentially endanger your family, friends, and neighbors. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for people crossing the street or other drivers and bicyclists who haven’t yet cleared the intersection. Ohioans are counting on you to pay attention.

Enforcement

When the new distracted driving law takes effect on April 4, 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will issue warnings for six months for violations as part of the effort to educate and help motorists adapt to the new law. Beginning October 5, 2023, law enforcement will start issuing citations for violating this law.

Penalties

  • 1st Offense: Two points assessed to license, up to a $150* fine.
  • 2nd Offense: Three points assessed to license, up to a $250 fine.
  • 3+ Offenses: Four points assessed to license, up to a $500 fine, possible 90-day suspension of driver license.
  • Work Zone Offense: Fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.

*Completion of a distracted driving course can help avoid the fine and points.

For more information, visit PhonesDown.Ohio.gov. Frequently asked questions can be reviewed here.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News & Updates

Hudson_Postcard_CW (002)_Page_1

We Need Your Input!

Posted on: May 11, 2023
Notice of Public Hearing

Public Hearings for BZBA May 18

Posted on: May 9, 2023
EMS Open House

EMS Open House May 20th!

Posted on: May 9, 2023
Police Week 2023 Logo

Police Week May 13-20

Posted on: May 9, 2023
HSP Trees

Celebrate Arbor Day April 28

Posted on: April 24, 2023
Street Sweeping News Flash

Street Sweeping Begins April 17

Posted on: April 12, 2023
Dryer Lint NF

Spring Fire Safety Tips

Posted on: April 10, 2023
Veterans Trail Phase 3

Veterans Trail Phase 3 Now Open!

Posted on: April 7, 2023
Memorial Day Parade News Flash

Join the 2023 Memorial Day Parade!

Posted on: March 30, 2023
Neighborhood in Hudson

Planning a Block Party? Let Us Know!

Posted on: March 30, 2023
Concrete Work Map

Downtown Sidewalk Work Through 4/18

Posted on: March 27, 2023
False Ad

Beware of Misleading Ads

Posted on: March 23, 2023
Tornado (2)

Statewide Tornado Drill is March 22

Posted on: March 20, 2023
Sunshine Week

It's Sunshine Week!

Posted on: March 12, 2023
Hudson Logo

2022 Municipal Income Tax Changes

Posted on: March 3, 2022
ward map change news flash

Wards Change for Some Hudson Residents

Posted on: February 13, 2023
Rita logo

Municipal Income Taxes Due April 18

Posted on: January 30, 2023
Special Council Meeting graphic

Special Council Meeting January 31, 2023

Posted on: January 27, 2023
Snow Coverd Highway

Hudson Headlines - Snow and Ice Control

Posted on: January 23, 2023
Road Work news Flash

SR 91 South Widening Project Update

Posted on: December 28, 2022

Plan Ahead for Winter Weather

Posted on: December 28, 2022
news flash hudson logo

A Letter from Mayor Jeffrey L. Anzevino

Posted on: December 22, 2022
Clock Tower News Flash Holiday

Hudson Clock Tower Back to Keeping Time

Posted on: December 19, 2022
Leaves in Dark news flash

Latest Leaf Collection Program Updates

Posted on: November 16, 2022
Snow Coverd Highway

What Do Snow Emergency Levels Mean?

Posted on: November 28, 2022
Scam Alert

Don't Fall for Utility Scams

Posted on: November 28, 2022
Recycling HH

Hudson Headlines - Recycle Right

Posted on: November 15, 2022
Holiday Lights Recycling (2)

Recycling Opportunities in Hudson

Posted on: November 15, 2022
EMS Hiring News Flash

Be a Hero! Join Hudson EMS!

Posted on: October 8, 2022