INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana will make it illegal to use your phone while driving.

Indiana will become the 22nd state to order you to put down your phone. You’d have to use it hands-free or not at all. Governor Holcomb made the ban part of his legislative agenda

Several legislators acknowledged during hearings on the bill they’re voting to ban something they’re often guilty of themselves. Munster Representative Mara Candelaria-Reardon (D) says making phone use illegal will send a message to the public that it’s dangerous, much as the requirement to wear seat belts did.

Indianapolis Senator Greg Taylor (D) says he’s concerned the law could become a pretext for traffic stops. But he says if police enforce it as intended, it’ll be a significant highway-safety measure.

The law will take effect July 1, but while you could get a ticket for phone use on that date, a final change to the bill delays the assessing of points on your driver’s license until July 2021. House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) says legislators felt people need some time to adjust.

The bill passed the House 81-11 and the Senate 49-1.

 

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