There is a new ‘touch’ rule that prohibits you from touching your phone while driving. This rule comes at a time when phones are practically an extension of our hands. This new wave of legislation is cracking down on distracted driving with unprecedented strictness.
The “Touch” Rule is a bold move by several states and municipalities to curb phone use while driving, not only for texting or calling, but also for any interaction with the device. Violators could face fines starting at $250 tickets, with penalties escalating for repeat offenders.
What Is the New “Touch” Rule?
The “Touch” Rule is a colloquial term for enhanced distracted driving laws that prohibit drivers from touching their phones at all while driving.
Who’s Likely to Get Hit First?
Gen Z, especially those between 16 and 25, are highly likely to break these new hands-free laws. According to a report from the Insurify survey, 68% of Gen Z drivers interact with texts while driving. According to the NHTSA, 7% of drivers aged between 15 to 20 years involved in fatal crashes were reported to as distracted.
Police in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit will use automated camera systems, besides carrying out patrols, to crack down on these risky habits.
Why the Push for Stricter Laws?
The “Touch” Rule comes in response to a surge in distracted driving incidents, despite existing laws. NHTSA.gov reports that in 2023, distracted driving-related traffic crashes resulted in 3,275 fatalities and almost 325,000 injuries.
States Enforcing the New ‘Touch’ Rule
33 states have banned drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have also enacted similar bans.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Although tickets won’t be issued until June 2026, Pennsylvania’s new Paul Miller’s Law now forbids using a phone, even at stoplights. Iowa implemented a hands-free policy on July 1st, with $100 fines beginning in January of next year. Louisiana imposed harsher $250 fines in construction zones and school zones.
Philadelphia is taking a different approach to enhance safety by reducing the speed limit on Broad Street. In South Carolina, drivers will have a 6-month grace period to allow them to adapt before fines start to be issued.
How to Avoid Fines
Here are tips to help you avoid breaking the hands-free laws:
- Use a Bluetooth headset, car mounts, or voice-activated systems for calls and navigation.
- Turn on phone features like Do Not Disturb While Driving (iOS/Android).
- Set up playlists, podcasts, or GPS routes before starting your drive.
- Know your state rules, since they differ. For example, California allows hands-free use but prohibits holding phones, while Michigan bans all device interactions unless parked.
- Check local regulations at NHTSA.gov or AAA.com.
Why Hands-Free Still Isn’t Risk-Free
Data from Cambridge Telematics has shown that even features such as Bluetooth and voice-activated systems can increase the risk of crashing. Therefore, it’s best to drive responsibly, pay attention, and avoid using any hands-free devices at all because, even though they don’t distract the hands, they distract the mind.
Conclusion
The “Touch” Rule is a turning point in the fight against distracted driving. This new ‘touch’ rule will affect every motorist. Drivers can contribute to a safe environment and avoid tickets by embracing hands-free technology and staying alert on the roads.