Starting June 5, 2025, thirty-one states will launch or reinforce their laws on road safety. In this case, we are talking about those that will prohibit touching a cell phone while driving (even if you are stopped at a traffic light). Penalties and the possibility of points on the license aim to stop distracted driving, responsible for 3,275 deaths in 2023…
But of course, a flood of misinformation on social media has mixed facts, rumours, and fears: is there jail time? does it apply to every touch screen? is it just a revenue campaign? We explain it below.
What law are we talking about?
It is known as the “Touch Law” and aims to finally put an end to a habit as common and ingrained as using a cell phone all the time. Even when we drive. This law also includes radios, GPS devices, or any other device that can distract drivers while behind the wheel.
And what is happening?
That social media is claiming that 31 states will adopt this law in the country starting June 5, 2025.
And is it not true?
Not entirely, it will only come into effect in Pennsylvania, where it is called Paul Miller’s Law, but the other states mentioned on social media already have similar laws, some since 2008!!
Who is Paul Miller?
In 2010, in Monroe County, a young man tragically died in a crash with a tractor-trailer. The driver was distracted by his phone while driving… So, both the state and many associations took action to create this law that bans distractions while driving.
Which states have similar laws?
As we said at the beginning, there are 30 states that have similar laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Although each state has its own nuances, the common standard states: “It is illegal to touch a portable electronic device with your hand while operating a vehicle on a public road, except to make an emergency call”.
Is there jail time?
Only Missouri and Tennessee consider minor arrest (up to 48 hours) if the behaviour causes an accident with injuries. For the rest, imprisonment does not apply unless combined with offenses like reckless driving or driving under the influence.
Are there exceptions?
Almost all legislations allow the use of voice-activated hands-free, reading maps on a fixed mount, and 911 calls. Medical and commercial teams with two-way radios are excluded.
The cultural factor
This law does not aim to raise funds, but to educate drivers. Experts say that the “threat” of a fine only works when accompanied by massive awareness campaigns and visible enforcement.
Controversies and misinformation
As we said at the beginning of this article, on Facebook and several TikTok videos they mixed current laws, proposals, and rumours, creating the idea of a “national blackout” that would even ban touching the car’s multimedia screen, but calm down, the rule only affects portable devices.
Advice?
If you’re going to cross several states this summer, check the specific rules on the DMV website of each jurisdiction. Place your phone in a mount at eye level and activate voice assistance. Remember that “hands-free” is not the same as “mind-free”: conversation can also distract you as much as typing.
Platforms like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Google Assistant include “driving” modes that block visual notifications and allow dictation.
The fight against distracted driving is everyone’s responsibility, just like seatbelt awareness campaigns once were. As we say around here, adapt or die. And remember, it’s all done to save lives, everyone’s, and of course, our own!
