SELLERSBURG, Ind. — Starting on Wednesday, July 1, Indiana law will no longer allow drivers to hold mobile devices in their hands while driving.
The hands-free driving law comes nine years after the state passed a do not text while driving law, which was found difficult to enforce because it was too specific.
“It’s much more straight forward,” said Carey Huls with Indiana State Police in regard to the new hands-free law. “It’s a law that can be enforced”
The law specifically says drivers cannot hold or use an electronic communication device while operating a vehicle in motion. That includes smartphones, tablets, and smart-watches.
“Nothing on your phone or tablet justifies taking your focus off the road and putting lives at risk,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “Our mission is to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and enforce the hands-free while driving law to get every person traveling and working on our roads home safely.”
In Southern Indiana, Huls says he hasn’t heard much pushback regarding the law.
“I think most people would agree that it’s a smart and wise thing to do to make Indiana roads safer,” said Huls. "Our goal is just to make the roadways safer. We're looking for people whose driving behavior is negatively affected because they're using that phone."
Though the law does not allow devices in hand, drivers can still pick up the phone to call 911 in an emergency. Drivers will also be able to use Bluetooth or hands-free technology.
"Some of you might not be ready yet, said Huls. “If you haven't used your voice-operated technology with your phone and your vehicle in the past, it might take a few minutes to set it up, you need to pair your phone with your car."
Troopers plan to educate drivers as the law takes effect, but drivers who violate the law could face a fine.
"Fines will be up to the county,” said Huls. “They change from county to county."
Starting July 1, 2021, drivers could also have points assessed against their driver’s license for breaking the law. For more information and the answer to frequently asked questions on the new law, click here.
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