Laws Banning Texting and Driving Across States

Texting while driving is banned in nearly every US state, but state laws for texting and driving are not identical. While most states classify texting behind the wheel as a primary offense, meaning drivers can be stopped for that behavior alone, penalties, exceptions, and enforcement rules vary widely. Understanding distracted driving laws by state is essential, especially for drivers who regularly cross state lines or travel through high-traffic areas.

In Arizona, these laws are strictly enforced, and violations can carry serious fines and legal consequences. If you are involved in a collision related to distracted driving, speaking with a Phoenix accident and injury law firm can help you understand how local and state regulations may impact your claim. Below, we break down how texting and driving laws differ across states and what drivers need to know to stay compliant and safe.

What Laws Ban Texting and Driving Across States?

Every state but Montana has laws banning texting while driving. Some states have stricter penalties than others, but all share the same goal of reducing distracted driving. 

Many states make texting a primary offense, meaning drivers can be ticketed for texting alone. Others enforce it as a secondary offense, meaning texting can only result in a fine if another traffic violation occurs. If you’re driving through Arizona or other states, it’s crucial to know how texting is regulated.

State Texting and Driving Laws

How Arizona’s Climate Can Make Matters Worse

Besides texting, extreme heat can also influence driver behavior. In Arizona, for example, scorching temperatures can lead to fatigue, distraction, and impatience, all of which contribute to accidents. When the heat is intense, drivers might be more likely to make poor decisions on the road. 

Combined with texting or other distractions, the risks increase significantly. It’s vital to stay alert in these conditions and focus on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that more than 3,000 deaths in 2022 were caused by distracted driving. And as the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of accidents, especially in places like Arizona. Whether you’re in Phoenix or another hot state, it’s critical to avoid distractions, especially texting, while driving.

Laws Banning Texting While Driving and Fines by State

While Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving outright, all other states have laws against it. These laws can vary, but most states treat texting as a primary offense. Arizona, for instance, has strict laws, where texting while driving can lead to significant fines.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how texting while driving is treated across the country:

• Primary offense: In forty-eight states, texting while driving is considered a primary offense, so drivers can be ticketed just for texting.
• Secondary offense: Only Montana and Nebraska enforce texting as a secondary offense, meaning it’s only punishable if another traffic violation occurs.
• Special restrictions: In thirty-seven states, young drivers are restricted from texting, and twenty-three states extend this ban to bus drivers.

Fines for Texting While Driving

Fines for texting while driving differ from state to state. In Oregon, the fine can be as high as $1,000, while in Illinois, the fine is much lower, at up to $75 for a first offense. However, Illinois imposes harsher penalties for drivers under nineteen years old, including license suspension and possible jail time if the violation leads to an accident.

No matter where you are, the penalties for texting while driving can be serious. In addition to fines, you may also face increased insurance rates and a potential impact on your driving record.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding texting and other distractions while driving is the best way to stay safe. Whether it’s the extreme heat and its effects on driver behavior or the temptation to check your phone, distractions can lead to devastating accidents. 

If you’re injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Phoenix, contact Gage Mathers Law Group for legal assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate your case and get the compensation you deserve!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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