Drivers reminded hands-free device law takes effect July 1

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter are reminding drivers that beginning Wednesday, Indiana law will prohibit drivers holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, in their hands while driving to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Hoosier roadways.

The effort to make Indiana’s roads safer was a key piece of Gov. Holcomb’s 2020 legislative agenda and was approved by the Indiana General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. Gov. Holcomb signed the measure into law on March 18.

“As drivers, we all have a responsibility to our fellow Hoosiers to limit eye and hand distractions that can result in tragic injuries and deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This law is about protecting those who travel our roads and those who build and maintain them by preventing as many crashes as possible through smart education and enforcement.”

Prosecutor Bookwalter noted that the hands-free driving law prohibits “texting, making a phone call, searching for directions, checking your fantasy football lineup and anything else you can do with a phone.”

“Distracted driving is a huge problem in Indiana,” Bookwalter added. “Even a brief glimpse away from the road can be enough to cause a crash. Starting July 1, if a police officer sees you on your phone while driving, for any reason, you could be subject to a stop and a ticket.”

Bookwalter said the hope of the new law is to save lives and reduce crashes.

“Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter has repeatedly said that law enforcement will not be looking to write hundreds of tickets for this new infraction,” the prosecutor said, “Which is the reason for this reminder of the new law.

“It is our job to keep people safe,” Bookwalter continued, “And I hope people will take this to heart and simply put the phone down when behind the wheel.”

Once the law takes effect, drivers on Indiana roads will be prohibited from having a mobile device in their hands while their vehicles are moving, with the exception of dialing 911 in an emergency. The law permits the use of voice-operated or hands-free technology such as speakerphone, Bluetooth or headset.

Across the United States, serious traffic crashes and fatalities have sharply increased in recent years due in large part to distracted driving. In 2019, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported that distracted driving from mobile devices was a factor in at least 1,263 crashes and three fatal crashes. Requiring drivers to put smartphones and other devices away and focus on driving is proven to reduce crashes and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that have passed hands-free driving laws have seen a nearly 20 percent decrease in traffic deaths in the two years after passing the law.

“Nothing on your phone or tablet justifies taking your focus off the road and putting lives at risk,” Indiana State Police Superintendent Carter said. “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.”

During the first few months with the Hands Free While Driving law in effect, Indiana State Police will focus on educating drivers on the new law and safety benefits of going hands free. However, following the initial education campaign, drivers found in violation of the hands free while driving law can be subject to fine. Beginning in July 2021, drivers may also have points assessed against their driver’s licenses for violating the law.

For more information, persons may visit HandsFreeIndiana.com.

Hands Free Indiana is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana Motor Truck Association and ACEC Indiana.