Hands-Free Driving Laws by State
Some states ban holding the phone at all while driving — only hands-free use is legal. Here is the map.
Some states ban holding the phone at all while driving — only hands-free use is legal. Here is the map.
A growing group of states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and others) require hands-free phone use — you cannot hold the phone to talk or navigate while driving. The rest still allow handheld talking but ban texting.
Hands-free rules matter because "I was just holding it" is not a defense in those states. See the state chart for whether your state is hands-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hands-free mean?
You may use the phone only through voice, Bluetooth, or a mounted device — no holding it in your hand while driving.
Which states are hands-free?
About 25 states plus D.C. require hands-free use; the rest ban texting but still allow handheld talking. Check your state page.
Can I mount my phone on the dashboard?
Usually yes, if it does not block your view — but you still cannot hold it. Rules vary, so confirm with your state.