BuckledAppBuckledApp: Drive without Distractions

Is Ohio a hands-free state?

Yes. Since April 4, 2023, Ohio bans holding or supporting a phone or other electronic device while driving, as a primary offense. A ticket is up to $150 and 2 points.

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Ohio phone and texting rules while driving

Holding or supporting a phone, or typing letters, numbers or symbols into it, is illegal while driving.

Adults 18 and older may make and receive calls hands-free and use a single touch or swipe to start a feature.

Holding a phone to your ear for a call is allowed only when the vehicle is stopped and out of traffic, or in an emergency.

How much is a phone ticket in Ohio?

A first offense is up to $150 and 2 points; both can be waived by completing an approved distracted-driving safety course. Fines and points increase for repeat offenses.

Rules for teen drivers in Ohio

Drivers under 18 may not use an electronic device at all while driving, even hands-free.

Following the law without relying on willpower

BuckledApp locks TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and games as soon as the car reaches 20 MPH, and keeps them locked for the driver until the car stops. Maps, music and calls stay available, so the phone stays useful and legal.

A 2.5-second seatbelt selfie tells the driver from passengers, so passengers get their apps back right away. Parents and fleets see that every check passed.

About this page

Summary of Ohio law, last reviewed October 2026. Local ordinances can be stricter, and fines and court costs change over time. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the sources below or your state DMV for the current rules.

Sources

Make the phone enforce it

BuckledApp verifies the seatbelt at 20 MPH and locks distracting apps until the car stops. Free trial.

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Questions we get asked

Is Ohio a hands-free state?

Yes. Since April 4, 2023, Ohio bans holding or supporting a phone or other electronic device while driving, as a primary offense.

What is the fine for using a phone while driving in Ohio?

A first offense is up to $150 and 2 points; both can be waived by completing an approved distracted-driving safety course. Fines and points increase for repeat offenses.

Can teens use a phone while driving in Ohio?

Drivers under 18 may not use an electronic device at all while driving, even hands-free.

Questions people search for

Can my teen bypass the phone lock during an emergency?

Yes. Emergency calling is never blocked, and the Phone app remains available for calls. Navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze, plus music and podcast apps, stay accessible during Driver Focus. Only distracting apps — social media, video and games — are locked while the vehicle is moving, and they unlock automatically once the car has stopped.

What exactly is Driver Focus?

Driver Focus is the mode BuckledApp enters after the seatbelt check identifies the phone’s owner as the driver. Distracting apps stay locked for the whole drive. When the vehicle has stopped and you have left the car, or after a short countdown at a full stop, the lock lifts automatically. There is no button to skip it — that is the point.