A 3-minute lesson from the Ohio course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Ohio's distracted-driving law means that, for adults, a phone is essentially hands-off while you drive. You can talk hands-free and use features like navigation — as long as you never hold, support or type on the device.
Know the rule
For drivers 18 and older, it is illegal in most cases to use, hold, or physically support a cell phone or electronic wireless communications device while driving. An officer who sees a violation can pull you over.
Drivers over 18 may make and receive calls with hands-free technology and use other device features, as long as they don't hold or support the device or manually enter letters, numbers or symbols.
You're 30 and want to call your sister. Say "call Sis" to your car or tap the call button once, then talk hands-free. Picking up the phone and dialing her number by hand would be illegal.
Put it into practice
Your phone is mounted on the dash with navigation running. Starting the route with a single tap is legal; typing an address letter by letter while driving is not.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Can a driver 18 or older legally make a phone call using hands-free technology while driving?
Yes, if the phone isn't held or supported
No, all phone calls are banned while driving
Only on highways
Only if pulled over
Answer: Yes, if the phone isn't held or supported
Drivers 18 and older may make and receive calls hands-free, without holding or supporting the device.