All Comparison Tables
Hands-Free Phone Laws by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Which states require hands-free phone use for all drivers, which restrict only novice/teen drivers, and which have no general handheld ban.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: February 2025
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| All Drivers | Novice Only | No Ban |
|---|---|---|
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 17) | No |
| No (text ban) | No | Partial |
| Yes | No | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text/school) | No | Partial |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 19) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 21) | No |
| Yes (2024) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | No | Partial |
| Yes (2023) | Yes (under 21) | No |
| No | No | Yes |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (GDL) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | No | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes (2023) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (LP/IL) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | No | Partial |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | No | Partial |
| No (text ban) | Yes (LP/IL) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| Yes | Yes (intermediate) | No |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | Yes (under 18) | No |
| No (text ban) | No | Partial |
| Yes | Yes (under 18) | No |
Texting while driving is banned in nearly every state regardless of handheld rules. Watching video and using social media often carry separate penalties.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.