ohio’s neighbors | Texting and cellphone laws

Ohio has become the 39th state in the country to ban texting while driving. The law takes effect Friday, but police only will issue warnings for the next six months. Texting while driving will be a secondary offense for drivers 18 and older, which means an officer has to stop a driver for another offense first, such as speeding. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to text, use cellphones or other handheld devices while driving. For them, texting and cellphone use are primary offenses. Use of a cellphone in emergencies is allowed.

In nearby states

New York: Talking on a cellphone or using other handheld devices while driving is a primary offense for all drivers.

Pennsylvania: Only texting while driving is banned. It is a primary offense.

West Virginia: For drivers older than 18, using a cellphone or other handheld device is a secondary offense until July 1, 2013, then it becomes a primary offense. Drivers younger than 18 who have a learner’s permit or an intermediate license cannot use cellphones. Texting is a primary offense for all drivers.

Michigan: Texting for all drivers is a primary offense. Cellphone use is legal.

Indiana: Texting is a primary offense for all drivers. Drivers younger than 18 cannot use cellphones.

Kentucky: Texting is a primary offense for all drivers. Drivers younger than 18 cannot use cellphones.