- You are allowed to call 911 in an emergency situation.
- A primary offense is whenever a trooper observes drivers making contact with their phone other than the one touch/swipe. This is what troopers will be mainly focused on. Primary offenses will now be reported to your insurance companies.
- Food, drinks, grooming, and smoking. All of these things are secondary violations/observations. It is pretty common to eat, drink, smoke, or do any other number of activities while driving. These activities are allowed as long as they do not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. If the driver does commit another traffic offense and is dangerously distracted, then they are subject to another $99 fine.
- GPS and music. A good rule to follow, start both of these things before anything else. Drivers are allowed one touch/swipe as long as your device is connected to Bluetooth.
- Authorized emergency personnel, including troopers, are exempt from this law. Uber, Lyft, and other ride share services are not (Meaning, they also must abide by the one touch/swipe rule).
- CDL holders will still operate according to Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (The CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law on hand-held mobile telephone use while operating a CMV).
Contributed by Stephanie Dyck, Director of Operations
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