Cell Phone Laws

Paul's Law: To Prohibit Drivers of Motor Vehicles from Using Handheld Wireless Telephones to Engage in Text Messaging
§ 27-51-1504 - Use of a handheld wireless telephone when driving.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a driver of a motor vehicle shall not use a handheld wireless telephone for texting while operating a motor vehicle.

(b)(1) A driver of a motor vehicle may use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication in emergencies.

(2) A person performing his or her official duties as a certified law enforcement officer, firefighter, ambulance driver, or emergency medical technician is exempt from the requirements of this section.

Fewer Distractions Mean Safer Driving Act
§ 27-51-1609 - Restrictions in school zones.

(a) Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a driver of a motor vehicle shall not use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building.

(b) A driver of a motor vehicle who is passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building may use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose.

(c) This section does not apply to law enforcement officers.

§ 27-51-1603 - Restrictions on drivers under 18 years of age.
(a) Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a driver of a motor vehicle who is under eighteen (18) years of age shall not use a wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle.

(b) A driver of a motor vehicle who is under eighteen (18) years of age may use a wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose only.

§ 27-51-1604 - Restrictions on drivers at least 18 but under 21 years of age.
(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the driver of a motor vehicle who is at least eighteen (18) but under twenty-one (21) years of age shall not use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle.

(2) The driver of a motor vehicle who is at least eighteen (18) but under twenty-one (21) years of age may use a hands-free wireless telephone or device for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle.

(b) A driver of a motor vehicle who is at least eighteen (18) but under twenty-one (21) years of age may use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle for an emergency purpose only.