State Laws for Electronics Use in the CarElectronics in the car can get you were you need to go, entertain the kids and help you in an emergency. However it's important to use electronics safely while driving and follow the law. Click on your state in the map below to find out what laws exist for use of electronics in the car.
Alabama Video Screen Restriction Law: No television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast shall be located in a motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat or in any manner so that the driver of the vehicle can see it while in actual control of the vehicle. Statute: Code of Ala. § 32-5-219 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Alaska Video Screen Restriction Ban on Texting While Driving Law: Provides a person may not install or alter equipment that allows the images to be viewed by the driver in a normal driving position while the vehicle is in motion. Provides exceptions, including portable cellular telephones or personal data assistants being used for verbal communication, navigation or global positioning systems and vehicle information or controls related to speed, fuel level, battery charge and other vehicle safety or equipment information. A person may not use a personal communications device to text or send email while driving. Statute: HB 88 Penalties: Class A Misdemeanor, Penalties Not Specified (C felony if the person's driving causes physical injury to another person, Class B If Serious Injury, Class A If Death) [back to top] Arizona Video Screen Restriction Law: A person shall not drive a motor vehicle equipped with a television viewer or screen or any other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is either located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat or visible, directly or indirectly, to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute: A.R.S. § 28-963 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] California Video Screen Restriction Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Law: Prohibits any person from driving a motor vehicle if a video monitor, or a video screen or any other similar device that displays a video signal is operating and is located forward of the driver's seat or is visible to the driver. Provides exceptions for emergency equipment. Statute: California Vehicle Code §2890 (West 2004) Penalties: No Penalty Specified. Law: Prohibits the use of Handheld Cell phones while driving. Allows exceptions in emergency situations. Statute: California Vehicle Code §12810.3 and §23123 Penalties: $20 for first offense, $50 for each subsequent offense. [back to top] Colorado Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Law: Makes driving a motor vehicle by a person holding a temporary instruction permit or a minor's instruction permit while using a cellular telephone or other mobile communication device a secondary traffic offense. Statute: Colo. Rev. Statute §42-4-239 (2005) Penalties: $15 fine plus a $2.60 Surcharge. [back to top] Connecticut Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Provides exceptions in emergency situation. Prohibits drivers with only learner's permits from using a cell phone while driving. Statute: 2005 Conn. Acts. P.A. 159 (Reg. Sess.) Penalties: Not more than $100 fine. Law: Television screens prohibited. Video display instrumentation and closed video monitor for backing permitted. Exceptions for refuse collection. Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-105 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Delaware Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Law: Prohibits any minor with a level learner's permit or driver's education learner's permit from using a cell phone or similar device while operating a motor vehicle. Provides exceptions during emergency situations or where the permit holder has stopped the vehicle at a location off the lanes of travel. Statute: Del. Code. Ann. Tit. 21, §2710 (2005) Penalties: Young drivers are subject to the same penalties they would face if they were found to be a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle or to have committed a serious moving traffic violation. [back to top] District of Columbia Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits the use of a hand-held phone while driving. Prohibits drivers with a learner's permit from using a cell phone while driving completely. Statute: 2004 D.C. Sat., A15-0311 Penalties: $100 fine for repeat offenders. First time offenders will have their fines suspended, if they submit proof that they have acquired a hands free device. Law: No television equipment shall be installed in or on any motor vehicle in a manner which will make the reception of the television visible to the vehicle operator while the vehicle is in motion. Statute: D.C. Code of Municipal Regulations 735.2 9 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Florida Video Screen Restriction Law: No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat. Statute: Fla. Stat. §316.0075 (2005) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Illinois Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Law: Prohibits a person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit or a graduated license from driving on a roadway while using a wireless phone, except for emergency purposes, including an emergency call to law enforcement, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency services entity. Statute: Public Act No. 95-338; 2007 SB 140 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Indiana Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits a driver under the age of 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld device. Statute: H.B. 1112 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: A person may not operate a motor vehicle that has a television set installed so that the screen of the television set can be seen by a person sitting in the driver's seat. Statute: Ind. Code Ann. § 9-19-17-1 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Louisiana Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits text messaging by all drivers and the use of cell phones by novice drivers. Statute: Act 665 & 666 Penalties: The first violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $175. Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500. If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed. Law: Prohibits driving a motor vehicle with a television cable of receiving any prerecorded visual presentation unless the TV is behind the driver's seat or not visible to the driver while he or she is operating the vehicle. Statute: Louisiana Revised Statute 32:365 Penalties: A violation shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, punished by imprisonment for not more than ninety days, or by a fine not exceeding $500, or both, in the discretion of the court. [back to top] Maine Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits a person who has not attained 18 years of age from using a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Public Law No. 272; 2007 HB 143 Penalties: First Offense: No less than $50; Subsequent Offense: No less than $250. Law: A person may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast that is visible to the operator. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer using a video camera or other video equipment for law enforcement purposes. Statute: 29-A M.R.S. § 1921 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Maryland Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits holder of a learner's permit or provisional license who is under age 18 from using a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: Md. Transportation Code Ann. 21-1123 (2005) Penalties: May suspend a violator's license up to 90 days and issue a restricted license. Law: A motor vehicle driven on a highway may not be equipped with television-type receiving equipment in front of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver (Exceptions for Navigation System). Statute: Md. Transporation Code Ann. § 22-414 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Massachusetts Video Screen Restriction Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating such motor vehicle. Statute: ALM GL ch. 90, § 13 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Michigan Video Screen Restriction Law: A person shall not operate a motor vehicle that is to be used upon the highways with a television or other similar electronic device that displays a video image that can be viewed by the operator while the motor vehicle is in motion. Statute: MCLS § 257.708b (2008) Penalties: A civil infraction. [back to top] Minnesota Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Provides that no person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. Provides exceptions when a wireless communications device is used: (I) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode; (ii) for making a cellular phone call; (iii) for obtaining emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or prevent a crime about to be committed; (iv) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or (v) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties. Statute: H.F. 3800 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: Prohibits drivers under age 19 who have a provision license or instruction permit form using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Provides exceptions for emergency situations. Statute: 2005 Minn. Laws, Chap. 6 Penalties: Ability to get full license restricted. Law: No television screen shall be installed or used in any motor vehicle where it is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute: Minn. Stat. § 169.471 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Nebraska Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18 may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device. Statute: L.B. 415 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: It is unlawful to operate upon any public highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the viewing screen is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle. Statute:R.R.S. Neb. § 60-6,287 (2008) Penalties: Class V misdemeanor. [back to top] Nevada Video Screen Restriction Law: A person shall not drive any motor vehicle equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat. Statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 484.639 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] New Hamphire Video Screen Restriction Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle. Statute: RSA 266:75 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] New Jersey Video Screen Restriction Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Ban on Texting While Driving Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Law: It shall be unlawful to operate upon any public highway a motor vehicle which is equipped with or in which is located a television set so placed that the viewing screen thereof is visible to the driver while operating such vehicle. Statute: N.J. Stat. § 39:3A-1 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: It is a primary offense for motorists to talk on or text message with hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving. Statute: S1099, S P.L.2007, c.198 Penalties: $100 or $250 fine. Law: Prohibits drivers younger than age 21 who have only learner's permit from using a mobile phone while driving. Statute: N.J. rev. Stat. §39:3-19 (2005) Penalties: $100 fine or 90-day permit suspension. [back to top] New Mexico Video Screen Restriction Law: It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle equipped with a television screen upon which images may be projected or shown if the screen is within the normal view of the driver of the motor vehicle unless the television is used solely as an aid to the driver in the operation of the vehicle. As used in this section "television screen" does not include closed circuit monitors or computer terminal monitors used by law enforcement agencies in law enforcement motor vehicles. Statute: N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-7-358 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] New York Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Video Screen Restriction Law: Drivers prohibited from talking on hand-held mobile telephone device while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: N.Y. Veh. And Traffic Code §1225 Penalties: Not more than $100. Law: TV Screen must not be visible to the driver. Statute: NY CLS Veh & Traffc Code§ 375 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] North Carolina Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits all drivers under age 18 from using a mobile telephone or technology associated with a mobile telephone while a motor vehicle is in motion. Provides exception for emergency situation. Also prohibits permit holders and provisional license holders from using a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-137.3 (2006) Penalties: $25 fine. Law: No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-136.1 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Oklahoma Video Screen Restriction Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute: 47 Okl. St. § 12-411 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Oregon Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders younger than 18 may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device, except in emergencies. Statute: Chapter No. 870; 2007 HB 2872 Penalties: Class D traffic violation. Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute: ORS § 815.240 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Pennsylvania Video Screen Restriction Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute: 75 Pa.C.S. § 4527 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Rhode Island Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits drivers under age 18 from using any mobile telephone (including hands-free devices) while operating a motor vehicle. Statute: R.I Gen. Laws 1-10-6.6 (2006) Penalties: $200-$250 and loss of license until offender's 18th birthday. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-38 (2008) Penalties: Fine of not more than $100. [back to top] South Carolina Video Screen Restriction Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-4440 (2007) Penalties: $100 or be imprisoned for not more than 30 days. [back to top] South Dakota Video Screen Restriction Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-9 (2008) Penalties: Petty offense. [back to top] Tennessee Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Learner's permit and intermediate license holders may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving. Statute: Tenn. Code Ann. §55-50-311 Penalties: $50 fine and an additional 90 days to move up the ladder toward an unrestricted license. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-105 Penalties: Class C misdemeanor. [back to top] Texas Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits driver under age 18 from using a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle during the six-months period follow the original issuance of a class A, B or C license. Statute: 2005 SB 1257 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Statute: Tex. Transp. Code § 547.611 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Utah Video Screen Restriction Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-1641 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Vermont Video Screen Restriction Law: No motor vehicle operated on a highway can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute: 23 V.S.A. § 1095 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Virginia Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone. Statute: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-334.01 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute:Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1077 (2008) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Washington Ban on Texting While Driving Hands-free Cell Phone Use Only Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits text messaging while driving. Statute: RCW § 46.61.668 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: Bans the use of cell phones while driving unless the driver is using a hands-free device. Statute: RCW § 46.61.667 Penalties: No penalty specified. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: RCW § 46.37.480 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] West Virginia Restrictions on Cell Phone Use for Novice Drivers Video Screen Restriction Law: Prohibits the use of a handheld wireless communication device while driving by a minor holding a level one instruction permit or a level two intermediate driver's license. Statute: Act No. 180; 2007 SB 412 Penalties: First offense: $25 fine; second offense: $50 fine; third offense: $75 fine. Law: No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast can be located in the field of view of the operator of the vehicle. Statute: W. Va. Code § 17C-15-42 Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] Wisconsin Video Screen Restriction Law: No motor vehicle can be equipped with television-type receiving equipment forward of the back of the driver's seat or otherwise visible to the driver. Statute: Wis. Stat. § 346.89 (2007) Penalties: No penalty specified. [back to top] |
