Phone & Texting While Driving Laws by State (Hands-Free Guide for Visitors 2025)

Phone & Texting While Driving Laws by State (Hands-Free Guide for Visitors 2025)

Using your phone behind the wheel in the U.S. can get you in trouble and rules vary by state. If you’re visiting or renting a car, you might wonder, “Can I use my phone while driving here?” This guide breaks down hands-free laws by state and explains what is (and isn’t) allowed when it comes to phones, texting, and driving. We’ll give a plain-English overview of cell phone laws by state for drivers, a state-by-state table of rules, and practical tips to stay on the right side of the law.

Distracted driving is a serious safety issue: taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds to read a text is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded at 55 mph. It’s no surprise nearly every state ban texting while driving now. Let’s dive into what you need to know as a visitor or rental car driver in 2025.

Can You Use Your Phone While Driving in the US?

In a nutshell: Texting while driving is illegal almost everywhere in the US, and a growing number of states prohibit any hand-held phone use at all while driving. There is no single federal law each state sets its own rules, but the trend is toward **“hands-free” only.

• Texting bans: As of 2025, 49 states (plus D.C. and U.S. territories) ban text messaging for all drivers. In other words, virtually everywhere in the country, it’s illegal to manually send or read texts (or emails, or Facebook posts) while driving. The one holdout without a full ban is Montana (more on that later). So, if you assume “texting is illegal here,” you’ll almost always be correct.
• Handheld phone bans: These go further not only texting, but any handheld use of a phone (calling, dialing, holding the phone for navigation) is banned in many states. As of late 2025, 33 states plus D.C. prohibit all drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. In these states, you can only use your phone if it’s in a hands-free mode (voice commands, speakerphone without touching, mounted GPS, etc.). If you’re caught holding a phone to your ear or in your hand, it’s a violation.
• Exceptions: No state bans hands-free use for adult drivers. This means you’re typically allowed to use a phone via Bluetooth, speakerphone, or a dash-mounted device for voice communication in most places (but beware even hands-free, any distraction can be risky). Also, almost all laws allow exceptions for emergencies (calling 911) regardless of bans.
• Visitors must follow local laws: It might seem obvious, but if you’re from a country or state with looser rules, know that when you’re driving in a state, that state’s laws apply to you. A rental car or out-of-state license doesn’t exempt you. Police will ticket you just the same, and the ticket (or fine notice) can be mailed to your home or charged via the rental car company.

In summary: Assume texting is a no-go everywhere. For phone calls or other use, check if the state is “hands-free” (no holding the phone) or not. When in doubt, it’s safest to go hands-free or just pull over to use the phone. Next, we’ll clarify different types of distracted driving laws, so you know what signs or terms like “primary offense” mean.

Types of Distracted Driving Laws (Plain English)

Distracted driving laws generally target a few key behaviors:

• Texting bans: These laws prohibit writing, sending, or reading text-based communications (text messages, emails, instant messages) while driving. Almost all texting bans are for all drivers and are “primary” enforcement (meaning an officer can pull you over just for that, without any other violation). In the few places without a full ban, there might be a partial ban (e.g., for young drivers or in school zones). But for practical purposes, you should never text and drive anywhere aside from legality, it’s extremely dangerous.
• Handheld bans: A broader law that says you cannot hold or support a phone with your hand or body while driving. This means no holding it to your ear for a call, no holding it in front of you to use speakerphone, no fiddling with it in your hand for GPS. Typically, you’re expected to use a mount, or the phone should be completely down. Hands-free use (voice commands, “Hey Siri/Google”, one-touch to accept a call) is usually permitted. These laws often also explicitly ban actions like watching videos, recording, or using apps while driving. Handheld bans are becoming more common each year because they’re easier to enforce than texting bans (if an officer sees a phone in your hand, that’s enough).
• Secondary vs. Primary enforcement: If a law is “primary,” police can stop and cite you for that alone. If “secondary,” they can only ticket you for it if you were pulled over for something else first (like speeding). Nearly all texting bans are primary now; a handful of states had secondary enforcement for texting in the past. Some states introduced new hands-free laws as secondary initially (to ease in), but many have moved to primary. As a visitor, assume enforcement is primary you’re not going to get a free pass if you’re breaking the law blatantly.
• Special rules for young drivers or bus drivers: Many states have extra restrictions on teenagers/new licensees often banning all phone use (even hands-free) for drivers under 18. School bus drivers are also commonly prohibited from any phone use while driving children. These might not directly affect you as an adult visitor, but keep in mind if you’re traveling with teens who might drive or just understand that the emphasis on safety is even higher for inexperienced drivers.
• Other distractions laws: A few states have broader “distracted driving” or “careless driving” laws that can cover anything (like eating or using other devices) if it clearly interferes with safe driving. However, there isn’t usually a specific ban on, say, sipping coffee those fall under general negligence if you cause an issue.

Important nuance: Even in states without a full handheld ban, if you commit a traffic violation while on your phone, you could still be cited under existing reckless or distracted driving statutes. But from a compliance standpoint as a visitor, it’s easier to just know the specific prohibitions in each state.

Now, let’s get to the core: what exactly does each state say about using phones or texting while driving?

State-by-State Phone & Texting Laws for Drivers (Visitor Overview)

Below is a table summarizing the cell phone and texting laws by state as of 2025 for adult drivers. We list whether texting is banned, whether hand-held phone use is banned, and a note for visitors in plain language. Keep in mind that all states ban texting for school bus drivers and most ban any phone use for novice teen drivers, but our focus here is on the rules for typical adult drivers.

Also, note that local cities can sometimes have their own ordinances if state law doesn’t forbid it (though many states pre-empt local phone laws). For simplicity, we’re not diving into local exceptions.

Disclaimer: This is a general summary for traveler convenience. Laws change frequently (several states tightened rules in 20232025). Always verify current law on an official state website or Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Fines and enforcement details are not listed here but know that using a phone illegally can result in tickets and fines, even in a rental.

A few general observations from the table:

Alabama
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary law).
• Handheld ban: Yes, handheld ban for all drivers (secondary enforcement at first).
• Visitor note: You can’t hold your phone while driving. Only quick one-touch actions are allowed. Go fully hands-free or pull over.

Alaska
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban.
• Visitor note: Handheld calling is allowed, but texting/emailing is illegal. Roads and weather demand full attention; keep phone use minimal.

Arizona
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes, handheld ban for all drivers (primary).
• Visitor note: Arizona is hands-free only, including at stoplights. Use a mount and voice commands for GPS and calls.

Arkansas
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Partial handheld banned in school and work zones (primary).
• Visitor note: You can call handheld outside marked zones, but no texting or social media anywhere. In school or work zones, go fully hands-free.

California
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes, handheld ban for all drivers (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free state. You cannot hold a phone for calls, texting, or GPS, even at a stoplight. Mount your phone and use voice control.

Colorado
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban for adults (only for drivers under 18).
• Visitor note: Adults may hold the phone for calls but cannot text. Any distracted driving that leads to careless driving can still be cited.

Connecticut
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes, handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free. Don’t hold the phone at all; use a device or pull over. Enforcement is active, including at traffic lights.

Delaware
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes, handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Hands-free only, even at red lights. Keep the phone mounted or out of reach.

Florida
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Partial handheld banned in school and work zones (primary).
• Visitor note: You may hold the phone for a call in most areas, but texting while in motion is illegal. In school/work zones, expect stricter rules; hands-free is safest.

Georgia
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Strict hands-free law. You cannot hold or support a phone with any part of your body, including while stopped. This is heavily enforced, especially around Atlanta.

Hawaii
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: No handheld calling or texting. Use hands-free only; fines are steep.

Idaho
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: No holding the phone for calls or texts. A single touch to activate a mounted device is allowed.

Illinois
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free. Chicago and suburbs are especially strict; expect tickets if seen holding a phone.

Indiana
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Since 2020, no phone in hand at all. Use a mount or integrated car system.

Iowa
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban (calls allowed).
• Visitor note: You may hold the phone for calls, but texting or internet use while driving is illegal. Teens under 18 face stricter rules.

Kansas
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban (calls allowed).
• Visitor note: No texting, but handheld calls are legal. Long, straight roads still require full attention; troopers enforce texting violations.

Kentucky
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban (calls allowed).
• Visitor note: Adults can call handheld but cannot text. Under-18 drivers face a full phone ban. Expect stricter rules once you cross into nearby hands-free states.

Louisiana
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Partial handheld banned in active school zones for all drivers; stricter for novice drivers.
• Visitor note: As an adult driver, handheld calls are legal except in active school zones. Texting is illegal statewide and strongly enforced.

Maine
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free. No phone in hand; under-18 drivers are banned from any phone use, even hands-free.

Maryland
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: No handheld phone use. Enforcement is strong around the Baltimore. area. Under-18 drivers may not use phones at all.

Massachusetts
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Fully hands-free since 2020. Only single-tap use of a mounted device is allowed. Do not hold your phone for any reason.

Michigan
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Comprehensive hands-free law. You cannot hold a phone even for calls. Police can stop you solely for phone-in-hand.

Minnesota
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Hands-free since 2019. Voice activation or one touch on a mounted device is okay; anything more can be cited.

Mississippi
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban (calls allowed).
• Visitor note: You may hold the phone for calls but not for texting or social media. Distracted driving is a major issue; use caution.

Missouri
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned for all drivers (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary, phased in 20232025).
• Visitor note: New hands-free law applies statewide. Treat Missouri as a full hands-free state and do not hold your phone while driving.

Montana
• Texting ban: No statewide ban for all drivers.
• Handheld ban: No statewide handheld ban.
• Visitor note: Some cities have their own bans. Even where legal, texting is a bad idea on high-speed, wildlife-heavy roads. Check local rules.

Nebraska
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (secondary enforcement).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban.
• Visitor note: Police must have another reason to stop you before citing texting, but they still enforce it, especially after crashes. Handheld calls are legal.

Nevada
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free statewide. Las Vegas and Reno police actively ticket handheld use. Use Bluetooth or integrated systems only.

New Hampshire
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: “Hands-free electronic device” law: no holding any electronic device while driving. First offense carries a significant fine.

New Jersey
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Very strict hands-free state with heavy fines and potential suspensions for repeat offenses. Don’t hold your phone at all.

New Mexico
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No statewide handheld ban (some local bans).
• Visitor note: Texting is illegal statewide. Cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque have their own handheld bans. As a visitor, go hands-free to avoid confusion.

New York
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Extremely strict enforcement. No handheld use, even while stopped in traffic. Expect tickets and points for violations.

North Carolina
• Texting ban: Yes, texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban for adults (novice and school-bus drivers are restricted).
• Visitor note Adults may call handheld but cannot text. Handheld use is banned in some school zones when lights are flashing.

North Dakota
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban for adults (under-18 cannot use phones).
• Visitor note: Adults may hold the phone for calls, but texting is illegal. High speeds and light traffic make distraction especially risky.

Ohio
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Comprehensive distracted driving law: holding a phone is a primary offense. Only limited one-touch use of built-in nav or mounted devices is allowed.

Oklahoma
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban.
• Visitor note: Handheld calls are legal; texting is not. If you’re stopped for another violation and were on your phone, expect an extra citation.

Oregon
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Very strict distracted-driving law. No holding phones or manually programming GPS, even at stop signs or in traffic. Interact with devices only when parked.

Pennsylvania
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban for adults (proposed but not yet law).
• Visitor note: You may hold the phone for calls, but texting or typing is illegal. Young and learner drivers face stricter device limits.

Rhode Island
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Hands-free devices only. No phone in hand for calls or texts.

South Carolina
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary, new hands-free law).
• Visitor note: Recent law makes South Carolina a hands-free state. Expect a transition period of warnings, then full enforcement.

South Dakota
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban (ban applies to minors).
• Visitor note: Adults may call handheld but cannot text. Drivers under 18 face stronger restrictions.

Tennessee
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Hands-Free Tennessee law: no holding or supporting a phone with any part of your body. Even reaching or stretching for a device can be a violation.

Texas
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Partial handheld banned in school zones and for novice drivers; no full statewide call ban for adults.
• Visitor note: Adults may call handheld except in school crossing zones or if under 18. Cities previously had stricter local rules; safest approach is to use hands-free everywhere.

Utah
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban for calls.
• Visitor note: You may talk on a handheld phone, but manual input (texting, web, dialing with multiple taps) is banned. One quick tap or swipe is allowed; more than that can be cited.

Vermont
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Hands-free since 2014. Fines increase in work and school zones. Use mounted devices and voice control only.

Virginia
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Fully hands-free since 2021. Holding a phone at a red light can still be cited; the entire D.C. region (DC, MD, VA) is hands-free.

Washington
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: “E-DUI” law bans nearly all handheld device use, even at stoplights. Only minimal one-touch interactions with mounted devices are allowed.

West Virginia
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: Yes handheld ban (primary).
• Visitor note: Full hands-free since 2013. No handheld calling or texting on highways or local roads.

Wisconsin
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No general handheld ban for adults; handheld prohibited for novice drivers and in work zones.
• Visitor note: Adults may call handheld, but handheld use is banned in construction zones and for new drivers. Expect inattentive-driving citations if a crash involves phone use.

Wyoming
• Texting ban: Yes texting banned (primary).
• Handheld ban: No handheld ban.
• Visitor note: Handheld calls are allowed, but texting is illegal. Long, open roads and winter conditions make distraction especially dangerous.

• Texting (or any typing) is illegal everywhere except Montana. Don’t do it. Even in Montana, many cities ban it, and frankly, no state trooper anywhere will say it’s okay if they see you typing away.
• Hands-free (no holding) is the law in the majority of states. If you’re doing a multi-state road trip, odds are you’ll be in a hands-free state for much of it. It’s simpler to just plan to use a hands-free setup in the car always. A universal phone mount and Bluetooth earpiece or car integration will cover you and keep you legal almost nationwide.
• States with partial bans: a handful only restrict hand-held use in certain areas (school zones mainly) don’t let that confuse you. If you see a sign “No handheld devices in use” in a school zone (common in states like Texas, Louisiana), that means exactly that you can be ticketed for a phone call in those few blocks. Pay attention to local signage.
• Enforcement differences: Some states explicitly make these offenses primary (e.g., California, New York, etc.), meaning police actively patrol for it. A few are secondary (like Nebraska’s texting ban) meaning you’re less likely to be stopped just for phone use alone. But as a visitor, it’s wise to behave as if everywhere is primary because you don’t want the distraction causing something worse.

Now that you know the rules, let’s look at new trends and tips to stay on the safe side of the law.

New & Stricter Hands-Free Laws Travelers Should Know About

In recent years, there’s been a clear movement: more states are enacting strict hands-free driving laws. If you last took a U.S. Road trip a decade ago, the legal landscape has changed a lot.

• As of 2025, 30+ states have full hands-free bans, up from just a dozen or so in 2010. In 20232025 alone, states like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and South Carolina implemented tougher laws. This means states that once only banned texting now say you can’t even hold a phone, period.
• New laws often cover when stopped: Many of the recent laws clarify that being stopped in traffic or at a light is not an excuse to use the phone. For example, in Georgia and Minnesota, the law explicitly includes times when you’re temporarily stopped. So that old trick of “I’ll just quickly reply at the red light” can still get you a ticket in those states.
• Broader definitions of “use”: Early cellphone laws were just about calls or texts. Now, laws ban recording videos, watching videos, using apps, programming GPS basically any interaction with a device that isn’t completely hands-free. If you see terms like “electronic communications device” in a law, it covers more than just phones (tablets, etc. too). Washington state’s “E-DUI” law and others define illegal use very expansively.
• Stiffer penalties and enforcement campaigns: States are increasing fines, adding points to licenses, and running public awareness campaigns. Vermont, for example, upped fines especially in work zones. Some states do periodic “distracted driving blitzes” where officers in unmarked vehicles or even posing as construction workers will spot drivers on phones. The message: they’re taking it seriously.
• Late adopters coming around: States that resisted for a long time are coming on board. South Carolina passing a hands-free law in 2025 is a prime example a place with a reputation for leniency on this finally said enough. Missouri’s law starting 202325 is another big shift (after being one of only two states without an all-driver texting ban, they jumped too hands-free for all). So, the gap is closing. By the late 2020s, it’s conceivable almost every state will have a handheld ban.
• Local nuances still exist: While the trend is toward uniformity, some nuances remain. For instance, some states like Texas have state-level partial bans but cities had filled the gap (though state law there overrode local ones in 2017). If a state you’re in doesn’t have a full ban, it’s worth checking if the city does (though keeping it hands-free will cover you either way).
• Technology helping enforcement: Don’t be surprised if you hear of cameras or AI being used to catch texting drivers. Some places globally do this, and U.S. states are exploring it. Not widespread yet, but the idea of automated enforcement of phone use (like red-light cameras) is on the horizon.

For you as a visitor, the takeaway from these trends is: the safest assumption is that you should not have a phone in your hand while driving, anywhere. Even if one state hasn’t banned it yet, it likely will soon, and you’ll avoid both legal trouble and safety risks by just embracing hands-free habits.

Practical Tips for Using Your Phone Legally in a Rental Car

It can be tricky to navigate unfamiliar roads without occasionally glancing at your phone’s GPS or taking an important call from your travel companions. Here’s how to do it safely and legally while driving:

• Set up a Phone Mount: Before driving off, mount your phone on a dash or windshield holder. This keeps it in your line of sight for navigation and prevents you from having to hold it. Many rental cars now have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or built-in GPS take advantage of those to avoid using the phone itself. If using the phone, a mount makes you technically hands-free (remember, even one hand on a phone is illegal in hands-free states).
• Use Voice Commands: Get familiar with saying “Hey Siri” or “OK Google” to dial numbers, send texts, or get directions. Voice assistants can handle a lot of tasks, so you don’t have to touch the phone. For example, you can say “Text John: I’m 5 minutes away” and send it without ever looking at the screen. It’s not foolproof, but it’s much better than typing manually.
• Plan Navigation in Advance: Program your GPS route before you start driving. Input the hotel address or park destination while parked. If you need to change course mid-trip, either have a passenger do it or pull over to a safe spot. In strict states, even entering a new address while at a stoplight could be seen as illegal phone use.
• Use Do Not Disturb Mode: Most smartphones have a driving mode or do not disturb while driving feature. Enable it. It can silence notifications or send auto-replies like “I’m driving, will reply later.” This removes the temptation to check a buzzing phone. Some rental cars automatically pair and prompt this say yes.
• One Ear for Earbuds: If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth and you need to take a call, use a headset or earbud. But note in some states (like NY) it’s illegal to have both ears covered by headphones while driving. So, use just one earbud if it’s not a built-in car system.
• Pull Over for Complex Tasks: If you absolutely must handle something on your phone say you need to type a long text or look up something online urgently find a safe place to pull off the road. This could be a rest area, gas station, or even the shoulder (in an emergency, with hazards on). It’s worth a few minutes delay to do it safely and legally. Remember, even in states without full bans, if an officer sees you swerving or driving poorly while messing with your phone, you could get ticketed for careless driving.
• Red Lights Aren’t Phone Time: As mentioned, many states consider it illegal to use the phone while stopped in traffic. Even where it isn’t explicitly illegal, it’s risky you might not notice the light change. Best practice: don’t start checking messages or emails at red lights. It can wait. If it can’t, you shouldn’t be driving at that moment.
• Disable or Limit Apps: If you know you’re easily tempted, consider using apps or settings that lock out phone usage when moving. Some navigation apps have an interface lock while the car is in motion, unless you confirm you’re a passenger. There are also apps that reward you for not touching your phone while driving (gamifying safe behavior).
• Know the Law Where You’re Driving: Use this guide as a reference, but if you’re unsure, a quick refresher from a state DMV site or even Wikipedia can help before you drive. For example, if you fly into a state, you might see signs on the highway like “State Law: No Handheld Cellphone Use”. Take those seriously they’re the state reminding newcomers of their rule.

Ultimately, the goal is to minimize interaction with your phone while driving. Not just to avoid tickets, but because it’s genuinely safer. Your rental car probably has modern features use them. And if it’s an older model, the old-fashioned solution works too: let calls go to voicemail and pick a radio station or playlist before you depart so you’re not fiddling with the phone for music.

How Phone Laws Apply to Visitors & Rental Car Drivers

You might wonder if being from out of state (or out of country) or driving a rental car change anything about these laws. The answer is mostly no you’re expected to follow the same rules as everyone else on the road. Here are a few clarifications:

• No exemption for tourists: Police won’t accept “I didn’t know the law here” as an excuse. With very few exceptions, traffic laws apply to all drivers equally, regardless of license origin. So, if you’re from a country were talking on a handheld phone is legal, don’t try that in a U.S. state that bans it. You can be pulled over and ticketed just like a local would.
• Rental car technology: Many rental cars come with infotainment systems that can sync your phone. Take a minute at pickup to pair your phone via Bluetooth rental agencies encourage this. If you’re not sure how, ask the staff or look up the model’s manual online quickly. This will allow hands-free calls and sometimes even reading texts aloud. Using the car’s built-in system is considered hands-free and legal (just don’t be typing on the car’s touchscreen while driving either, as that can also be deemed distracting).
• Traffic stops & tickets in rentals: If you do get stopped for a phone violation (or any traffic offense), the officer will issue a citation typically in the state’s jurisdiction. You are responsible for paying it, even if you leave the country/state. Rental companies may charge an administrative fee if they get notified of a violation (for example, some jurisdictions mail the ticket to the car’s owner the rental company who then pass it on to you with a service fee). It’s much easier to just avoid that scenario.
• Points and records: If you have a U.S. driver’s license, a cell phone ticket often carries demerit points that could affect your license and insurance. If you’re from abroad, the ticket might not put points on your home license, but you still owe the fine. And if you plan to rent again or drive in the U.S., unpaid tickets could potentially cause issues (like with visa points or if you get pulled over again, an outstanding fine could escalate things).
• Hands-Free Devices Rental: Some rental companies might offer addons like hands-free phone gadgets or GPS units. These days, since most people have smartphones, it’s less common, but you could ask. However, it’s usually simpler to just use your phone with a mount.
• Passengers using phones: These laws apply to the driver. Your passengers (except maybe instructing drivers with permits) are free to use phones, take photos, etc. However, be mindful that a screen glaring in front of the driver or a passenger showing the driver something on a phone can still indirectly cause distraction. But legally, the cop isn’t concerned if your friend in the passenger seat is texting only if you are, or if you’re paying more attention to their phone than the road.
• Rental contract fine print: While rental agreements don’t have rules about phone use specifically (like they might for DUI or off-road use), they generally require you to obey all laws. So, if you were to get into an accident while illegally using your phone, you could be viewed as negligent. In extreme cases, that might affect claims or coverage. Just another reason to follow the law and drive safely.

In short: There’s no special leniency for rental cars or visitors in terms of distracted driving laws. Assume you’ll be held to the same standard as everyone else. The good news is, rental vehicles often equip you with the tools to comply (newer models, Bluetooth, etc.). Use those tools to your advantage.

This guide is a general summary for travelers and rental car drivers. Distracted driving laws change frequently. Always confirm current rules on official state websites before you drive.

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