States With No Touch Laws and What It Means for Drivers

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Using your phone while driving is one of the fastest ways to lose focus behind the wheel. And as distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of accidents, many states are cracking down with stricter "no touch" (hands-free) laws.

Understanding these laws is key for every driver. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or handing the keys to a newly licensed teen, knowing where you can and cannot handle your phone can save you from hefty fines, and, more importantly, it could save a life.

What Is a No Touch Law?

A no touch law generally means drivers aren’t allowed to hold a phone while operating a vehicle. In many states, that includes things like:

• Holding your phone to talk
• Holding your phone on speaker
• Scrolling, tapping, or selecting music on your phone
• Typing or touching your phone to change GPS directions

This is stricter than older “no texting” laws. Even if you aren’t texting, having the phone in your hand can still be a violation.

Important: The exact rules vary by state. Some states allow limited interaction with a mounted phone (like a single tap), while others are stricter. When in doubt, set everything up before you drive.

Why No Touch Laws Matter for Driver Safety

Distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 lives were lost, and an estimated 324,819 people were injured in 2023 due to distracted driving.

The Risk of Manual and Cognitive Distractions

Even quick phone use can be risky because it often creates three distractions at once:

• Visual: Your eyes leave the road
• Manual: Your hands leave the wheel
• Cognitive: Your mind leaves driving

The Governors Highway Association (GHSA) notes that reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. And at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

Mercury Insurance has long advocated for safer roads because we see the aftermath of these preventable accidents. Distracted driving isn’t worth the risk, and eliminating handheld device use is one of the most effective ways to lower your chance of a collision.

Common Violations Drivers Don’t Realize Count as “Touching”

In many hands-free states, drivers can still get ticketed for:

• Picking up the phone at a red light
• Holding the phone on speaker (even briefly)
• Typing a new address into GPS while moving
• Scrolling a playlist or tapping around in a music app

Even in states without a full hands-free rule, there may be restrictions in school zones or work zones, and some cities have their own local ordinances.

Which States Have No Touch Laws?

As of late 2025, the list of states prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones continues to grow. The GHSA reports that 33 states, plus D.C., have laws banning handheld phone use for all drivers.

States With Full Hands-Free/No Touch Restrictions

While enforcement specifics can vary (primary vs. secondary offense), the following states generally prohibit holding a device while driving:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

Note: Laws change frequently. Always check official state resources for the most current regulations.

States With Partial or Conditional No Touch Policies

Some states don’t have a statewide hands-free rule for all roads, but they do restrict handheld phone use in certain situations. Examples include:

• Florida: Handheld restrictions in school and work zones only
• Arkansas: Handheld restrictions in school and work zones only
• Texas: Handheld phone use is prohibited in school crossing zones and on certain school properties when a reduced speed limit is in effect
• Wisconsin: No statewide handheld ban for all drivers, but handheld and texting restrictions apply in certain work zones and for some categories of drivers

In some states, the rule may also change based on:

• Whether the driver is a novice or a teen driver
• Whether the driver is operating a school bus
• Whether the driver is in a work zone or a school zone
• Whether the driver is in a city with a local ordinance

How These Laws Differ Across the U.S.

Two big differences you’ll see from state to state:

• Primary vs. secondary enforcement: In a primary enforcement state, an officer can pull you over for the phone violation alone. In a secondary enforcement state, the officer generally needs another reason to stop you first.
• Penalties: Fines, court costs, and points on your license vary widely. Some states escalate penalties for repeat offenses or add points quickly.

Because these nuances can be confusing when crossing state lines, it’s best practice to treat every state as a hands-free state. For a detailed breakdown of rules where you live, check our guide to driving laws by state.

What No Touch Laws Mean for Drivers

For many, complying with these laws requires breaking long-standing habits.

Practical Changes to Everyday Driving

If you rely on your phone for maps or music, you need a plan before you put the car in drive.

• Music: Choose your playlist or podcast before you leave the driveway. If you want to change it, use steering wheel controls or voice commands.
• Navigation: Enter your destination while parked. If you need to change your route, pull over safely first.
• Communication: If your car doesn’t have Bluetooth, wait until you arrive to make calls.

This is especially critical for young drivers. In a recent Mercury Insurance survey, 26% of drivers admitted they’ve come close to an accident due to texting. Teaching teens that the car is a no-phone zone sets a foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.

How These Laws Can Impact Insurance

Beyond safety, these laws impact your wallet. A ticket for a hands-free violation appears on your driving record. Insurance companies may review your motor vehicle record when setting rates, and violations can signal a higher risk.

The simplest way to protect your rates (and your safety) is to keep your record clean and avoid risky distractions in the first place.

“Hands-free laws help remove the temptation to just check a phone. The safer choice is to keep your attention on the road and your phone out of your hands,” says Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims.

Penalties for Violating No Touch Laws

The cost of holding your phone varies significantly depending on where you’re caught.

Fines and Fees

Fines generally start small for a first offense but escalate quickly. For example, a first offense might cost $20-$50 in some states, but subsequent violations can jump to $100, $250, or even more than $1,000 when court fees are added.

Points on Your License

Many states assign points to your license for moving violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspended license. In New York, for instance, a cell phone violation carries a heavy penalty of 5 driver violation points.

Repeat Offenses

Habitual offenders face steeper consequences. In extreme cases involving accidents caused by distracted driving, drivers can face reckless driving charges, license suspension, or jail time.

How to Stay Compliant on the Road

You don’t have to be totally unreachable to stay legal. With the right setup, you can take calls and use navigation without putting yourself (or others) at risk. Here’s what to do.

Tips for Going Fully Hands-Free

Here are some ways you can go hands-free on the road:

• Mount It: Use a dashboard or windshield mount (where legal) to keep your phone at eye level for navigation, so you aren’t looking down.
• Pair It: Connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth system for audio and calls.
• Block It: Enable the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on iPhone or Android. This automatically silences notifications so you aren’t tempted to look.

Safe Alternatives to Device Use

If you must take a call or send a text, the safest option is always to pull into a parking lot or rest area. Voice-to-text features are permitted in many states, but remember that even voice commands can create cognitive distraction. When in doubt, just drive.

Additional Ways Mercury Helps Keep You Safe

Mercury also helps you stay protected if something goes wrong, and rewards you for safe habits.

• Roadside assistance: If you get a flat tire, dead battery, or lock your keys in the car, roadside assistance can help you get back on the road faster and with less stress.

• Guidance on accident claims: Mercury’s claims support can walk you through the next steps, help you understand what to document, and keep the process moving so you’re not guessing what to do after a crash.
• Discounts that reward safe behavior: Mercury offers discounts that reward good driving habits, clean records, and other safety-minded choices, helping you save while staying protected.

Final Thoughts: Staying Safe Starts With Staying Focused

No touch laws are becoming more common for a simple reason: phones can wait, but the road can’t. Whether your state requires hands-free driving everywhere or only in certain areas, the safest choice is the same: keep your attention on the road and your hands on the wheel.

And if you ever have questions about what a ticket could mean for your coverage, need help after an accident, or want to make sure you have the right protection for your day-to-day driving, Mercury is here to help. We’re on your side, with guidance you can count on and coverage that fits your needs.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote.