Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, which began to strengthen the laws that surround the use of cell phones in all motor vehicles on April 4.

   According to Ohio.gov, this law is established to normalize the dangers of the use of cell phones while in a motor vehicle. With this law, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone/electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of your body. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over. All drivers over the age of 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, and this includes speakerphone.

   DeWine praises the new law as he believes that it is necessary to have, since the usage of an electronic device while you drive is just as dangerous as someone who is intoxicated.

    According to the Governor’s website, “Right now, too many people are willing to risk their lives while behind the wheel to get a look at their phones. My hope is that this legislation will prompt a cultural shift around distracted driving that normalizes the fact that distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible, and just as deadly as driving drunk,” DeWine said.

  According to The Columbus Dispatch, this law may intimidate fellow residents of Ohio but this new law comes with a six-month grace period. This still allows police officers to pull over citizens, but it will come with a warning so it can still educate the public. Within this time, construction crews will assemble new road signs so the communities of Ohio are visually aware of the new law.

   Once police issue citations in early Oct. when the grace period is over, drivers will face harsh penalties and that may be a money fine, points on your license, or even a suspension.

   The first offense you can receive within the first two years carries two points on a driver’s license and a fine up to $150. However, if you complete a driving course you could possibly avoid both. A second offense will bounce to three points and a fine up to $250. Any further offenses would be four points assessed to the license, and up to a $500 fine.