Ohio Truck Driver Phone Law
You're already under the federal hand-held ban in Ohio, since 392.82 applies to your CDL statewide. Ohio bans holding or even propping a phone against your body for every driver (ORC §4511.204), primary enforcement with tickets since October 2023. First offense runs up to $150 and 2 points, climbing to $500, 4 points and a possible 90-day suspension by the third. Any fine doubles in a work zone. Voice or one-touch only.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Ohio’s rule for all drivers
You're already under the federal hand-held ban in Ohio, since 392.82 applies to your CDL statewide. Ohio bans holding or even propping a phone against your body for every driver (ORC §4511.204), primary enforcement with tickets since October 2023. First offense runs up to $150 and 2 points, climbing to $500, 4 points and a possible 90-day suspension by the third. Any fine doubles in a work zone. Voice or one-touch only.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Hand-held use — holding or physically supporting a device — banned for all drivers (ORC §4511.204), primary enforcement; tickets written since Oct 5, 2023.
- Fine: Up to $150 and 2 points first offense; up to $250 and 3 points second; up to $500, 4 points and a possible 90-day suspension third — all doubled in a work zone. A distracted-driving course can waive first-offense fine/points.
- Points: 2 points first, 3 second, 4 third on your Ohio record; a distracted-driving course can waive first-offense points. The same conduct is a CSA serious violation federally.
Ohio Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Ohio?
What is the phone fine in Ohio?
Is texting while driving illegal in Ohio?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.204. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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