Gov. Holcomb Reminds Drivers Hands-Free Device Law Takes Effect July 1

Monday, June 29, 2020

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
<www.in.gov/indot/4063.htm> .

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.