Did a ‘No Touch Law’ Begin in Indiana This Month?

Reports are circulating on social media claiming "no touch laws" took effect in 31 U.S. states, including Indiana, this month, but is that actually the case?

What is the "No Touch" Law?

You might have seen reports of a new "no touch" law that went into effect on June 5th in 31 different states all over social media. This new law now makes it illegal to touch your phone or smart device if you are the driver of a vehicle. That means even if you are stopped in traffic or at a red light, you could get fined if you pick up your phone to look at directions or send a text. Basicially, once you are in your car, and you are the driver, you are legally not allowed to touch your phone at all.

Now, I know what you might be thinking..."I thought Indiana already had a hands-free law." Well, you would be correct. This new law is real, but I believe there is a misunderstanding by people spreading these posts on social media.

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Does Indiana Have a New "No Touch" Law?

According to NBC Chicago,

Pennsylvania's new "Paul Miller's Law" began on June 5. The law makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving, "even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay."

The state already had a ban on texting while driving, but the new provisions that began this month will allow law enforcement to issue written warnings, and eventually citations, for all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

However, laws like this were already in effect in Indiana, and several other states cited in the social media reports. Did Indiana have an update to the Hands-Free Law that we didn't know about?

I was curious myself. So many people on social media, and even a few "journalists" have made posts about this new law that went into effect on June 5th in 31 states, including Indiana. Why didn't anyone know about this?

Well, that's because a new "no touch" law did not go into effect in Indiana. The misinterpretation of these posts comes from Pensylvania's new law. The state now joins the other 30 states mentioned in these posts with a "hands free" or “distracted driving” law that was already in place. According to my resarch, there have been no previsons to Indiana's Hands-Free Law. No updates to the law were mentioned on the offical Indiana Department of Transportation website.

What is Indiana's Hands-Free Law?

Indiana's Hands Free Law went into effect on July 1st, 2020. This law prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, in their hands while driving.  The only exception to the rule is in the event you need to call 911 for any reason. Then, and only then, can you have the phone in your hand, and holding it up to your ear. If you were to get pulled over for voilating this law, it can result in a ticket that would be considered a Class C misdemeanor and brought with it a fine of up to $500. Not only that, but points would be added to your license as a violation of this law. You can read up more on the Hands Free Law in Indiana, if you need a refresher by clicking here.