Six Years After Indiana's Hands-Free Law: Is Distracted Driving Down?

Indiana, United States - 29 September, 2026 - When Indiana's hands-free driving law took effect on July 1, 2020, lawmakers hoped it would change one of the most dangerous habits on the road. Six years later, drivers across the state are still adjusting, and safety advocates say the fight against distracted driving is far from over.

The law made it illegal for Indiana drivers to hold or use a handheld phone or other telecommunications device while a vehicle is in motion. Drivers can still use hands-free or voice-operated technology, such as Bluetooth calls or dashboard navigation, and can use a handheld device to call 911 in an emergency.

What the Law Requires

Before 2020, Indiana banned texting while driving, but enforcement was difficult. Officers often could not tell whether a driver was texting or using the phone for another purpose, such as navigation.

The hands-free law closed that gap. Holding a phone while driving is now a violation regardless of what the driver is doing with it. A violation is a Class C infraction, which can carry a fine of up to $500. Repeat offenses can also add points to a driver's record.

A National Problem

Distracted driving remains a major safety issue nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving claims more than 3,000 lives in the United States each year, and many experts believe the true number is higher because distraction is difficult to prove after a crash. Distraction-related crashes also injure hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Sending or reading a text can take a driver's eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

What Has Changed in Indiana

Supporters of the law point to a shift in public awareness. Many drivers now use phone mounts, voice commands and driving modes that silence notifications. Enforcement campaigns by Indiana State Police and local departments have kept the issue visible.

Still, traffic safety officials say phones remain a common sight in drivers' hands, especially at stoplights and in slow traffic. Distraction also comes from other sources the law does not directly address, including eating, adjusting infotainment screens and interacting with passengers.

Teen Drivers at Higher Risk

Young drivers are a particular focus. National safety data consistently show that drivers in their teens and early twenties are more likely than older drivers to be involved in distraction-related crashes. Driver education programs now routinely cover the hands-free rules, and many insurers offer apps that monitor phone use and reward safe habits.

Newer vehicles present their own challenges. Large touchscreens that control climate, audio and navigation can require drivers to look away from the road, even without a phone.

Evidence After a Crash

For people injured by a distracted driver, the hands-free law has practical importance. A driver's phone use can be strong evidence of negligence. In some cases, phone records, vehicle data, surveillance video and witness statements can show that a driver was using a device at the moment of impact.

Obtaining that evidence often requires quick action. Phone records may need to be requested through the legal process, and video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras is often overwritten within days.

Indiana's modified comparative fault system also plays a role. If an injured person is found to be more than 50% responsible for a crash, they cannot recover damages. Proof that the other driver was distracted can be critical in establishing who was primarily at fault.

Advice for Drivers

Safety advocates recommend several steps to reduce distraction:

* Set navigation and music before starting the car.
* Use a phone's driving focus or do-not-disturb feature.
* Mount phones securely and use voice commands only when necessary.
* Pull over safely if a call or message cannot wait.
* Speak up as a passenger if a driver is using a phone.

Parents are encouraged to model safe behavior for teen drivers, who are especially vulnerable to distraction.

Seeking Help After a Crash

People hurt in a crash involving a distracted driver often face medical bills, missed work and insurance disputes. Those who are unsure of their rights frequently consult a local auto accident attorney in South Bend [https://www.pilawyers.com/our-practice/car-accidents.html] to review the evidence and explain their options. Indiana generally allows two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Looking Ahead

Indiana joined a growing list of states with hands-free laws, and more states have followed since. Traffic safety experts say laws alone will not solve the problem. Lasting change, they argue, depends on drivers treating phone use behind the wheel the way most now treat drunk driving: as something that is simply not acceptable.

Six years in, Indiana's law has changed the rules. Whether it has fully changed driver habits is still an open question.

About Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak is an Indiana personal injury law firm serving clients in South Bend and surrounding communities. The firm represents individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents and other personal injury matters, providing legal guidance throughout the claims process.

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