Comment by ncr100

3 days ago

(Re USA) Over 30 States ban holding your phone while driving

All States except for Montana ban texting while driving

No States ban complete non-usage of cell phones while driving

9 comments

ncr100

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cafard  1 hour ago

The District of Columbia bans holding your phone while driving. I haven't been downtown in a bit, but it used to be my impression that if you walked half a dozen blocks and didn't notice a few drivers with phones in their hands, you weren't paying attention.

bayarearefugee  3 days ago

> No States ban complete non-usage of cell phones while driving

And even if they did an increasing number of cars have small-TV-sized "cell phones" built into the dash.

And as a bonus prize, when you crash due to the distraction and the power is gone you get to solve a 3 part puzzle to open any of the doors to get away from the fast moving fire that probably broke out when the battery cells ruptured.

toomuchtodo  3 days ago

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/dis...

> Illinois law prohibits the use of electronic communication devices to write, send, or read text messages, emails, or other electronic communications while driving.

> In 2024, legislation went into effect that also made it illegal to use teleconferencing apps, watch videos, or access social media sites while driving.

> Drivers who are in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and incarceration.

  • gruez  3 days ago

    What's the difference between "other electronic communications" and "teleconferencing apps", compared to a phone call? Or is there a specific carve out for that?

    • mminer237  3 days ago

      The law is basically written to say that doing anything at all with your phone is illegal while driving. Then it carves out exceptions to say it's allowed if you're calling 911, you're doing it hands-free, etc. But then they separately say those exceptions do not apply apply to video calls or watching videos or accessing social media on your phone. Even if you mount your phone, you can't watch YouTube or livestream yourself or attend Zoom court or browse Reddit hands-free while driving.

    • gavinsyancey  3 days ago

      The reading of the first law sounds like it's oriented towards textual communication; the second law expands it to include video as well. AIUI neither one bans a voice-only phone call so long as you are looking at the road and not your phone.

do_not_redeem  3 days ago

> complete non-usage of cell phones while driving

Well, this would also ban things like GPS, or hooking up Spotify to your steering wheel media buttons.

I think targeting texting + social media is the right approach.