For Immediate Release:
Monday, June 29, 2020
Gov. Holcomb Reminds Drivers Hands-Free Device Law Takes Effect July 1
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb is reminding drivers that
beginning Wednesday, Indiana law will prohibit drivers holding mobile
devices, such as smartphones and tablets, in their hands while driving
to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Hoosier roadways.
The effort to make Indiana’s roads safer was a key piece of Gov.
Holcomb’s 2020 legislative agenda and was approved by the Indiana
General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. Gov. Holcomb signed
the measure into law on March 18.
“As drivers, we all have a responsibility to our fellow Hoosiers
to limit eye and hand distractions that can result in tragic injuries
and deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This law is about protecting
those who travel our roads and those who build and maintain them by preventing
as many crashes as possible through smart education and enforcement.”
Once the law takes effect, drivers on Indiana roads will be prohibited
from having a mobile device in their hands while their vehicles are moving,
with the exception of dialing 911 in an emergency. The law permits the
use of voice-operated or hands-free technology such as speakerphone, Bluetooth
or headset.
“Drivers need to keep their eyes up, hands on the wheel and stay
focused on driving to keep everyone on our roads safe,” Indiana
Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “The
Hands Free While Driving law will save lives by reducing the number of
senseless crashes that happen as a result of distracted driving.”
Across the United States, serious traffic crashes and fatalities have sharply
increased in recent years due in large part to distracted driving. In
2019, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported that distracted driving
from mobile devices was a factor in at least 1,263 crashes and three fatal
crashes. Requiring drivers to put smartphones and other devices away and
focus on driving is proven to reduce crashes and deaths. According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that have passed
hands-free driving laws have seen a nearly 20 percent decrease in traffic
deaths in the two years after passing the law.
“Nothing on your phone or tablet justifies taking your focus off
the road and putting lives at risk,” Indiana State Police Superintendent
Doug Carter said. “Our mission is to educate drivers on the dangers
of distracted driving and enforce the hands free while driving law to
get every person traveling and working on our roads home safely.”
During the first few months with the Hands Free While Driving law in effect,
Indiana State Police will focus on educating drivers on the new law and
safety benefits of going hands free. However, following the initial education
campaign, drivers found in violation of the hands free while driving law
can be subject to fine. Beginning in July 2021, drivers may also have
points assessed against their driver’s licenses for violating the law.
For more information, please visit
HandsFreeIndiana.com.
Hands Free Indiana is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Transportation,
Indiana State Police, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Bureau
of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana Motor Truck Association
and ACEC Indiana.
Click here to download the Hands Free Indiana campaign toolkit.