Ohio texting while driving ban officially in effect - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Ohio texting while driving ban officially in effect

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Friday is officially day one of Ohio's ban on texting and driving, though police and state troopers are offering a grace period. For the next six months, they'll only issue warnings.

The new law is different for adults and teens. If you're under 18, it's a primary offense to use any cell phone or electronic gadget behind the wheel, meaning younger drivers can be pulled over for that reason alone.

Violating the law is a misdemeanor and punishable by a $150 fine.

For adults, it's a secondary offense, meaning drivers have to be pulled over for something else first.

Drivers are allowed to use their phones in an emergency or if the vehicle is stopped off the road.

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