Penalties for violating Texting Laws in Ohio more severe if you are under 18.
On August 30th, the penalties for texting or telecommunicating while driving in traffic just got stiffer. Basically, it bans drivers young
er than 18 from using any handheld electronic device whether to text, make a call or do anything else. This includes
- Talking on a cell phone or Internet phone
- Texting or e-mailing in any fashion
- Using computers
Older adults are not exempt from the restrictions, but for those under 18, it is considered a primary offense that enables police to pull you over for using an electronic device. For older adults, the offense would be cited only should the driver be pulled over for another reason.
For the first six months of enforcement, only warnings will be given by the police.
If you are under 18, the first offense can bring a $150 fine, payment of court costs and license suspension for 60 days. A second offence can result in a $300 fine and suspended license for one year.
Teenagers with a temporary or permanent driver’s license, take note!!
When will this become a law for adults as well? So many times I’m avoiding cell phone drivers who swerve in my lane, run red lights, and almost hit pedestrians because they are too busy talking. Cell phones and driving just don’t mix. I can always tell when someone is using a cell phone while driving just by watching the behavior — delayed stops, inconsistent acceleration, and a lot of swerving in lanes. Yesterday, a lady was almost hit by a car driver on Wooster Pike that no doubt was using a cell phone while driving. He ran a red light at the intersection near the library — this is also a popular place for High School kids to walk from school. She was in the crosswalk (a green sign for her) and he ran the red, nearly hitting her, she was screaming in fear.
I can not agree more. I car pool to work everyday and the group I’m with sees multiple people on the interstates distracted by their phones. Some days we even get to witness an accident caused by a distracted driver. It’s worse than being drunk behind the wheel.