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New York Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: New York bans handheld phone use and the use of portable electronic devices for all drivers; hands-free is required (NY VTL 1225-c for phones, 1225-d for portable electronic devices).

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Official source: nysenate.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering New York

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutRestricted
Connecticut bans handheld phone use for all drivers — you have to use a hands-free setup instead. See Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-296aa.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: jud.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsRestricted
Massachusetts bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect February 23, 2020. MGL c.90 13B provides that no operator shall hold a mobile electronic device.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New JerseyRestricted
New Jersey bans handheld use of a wireless phone or other device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
Under Paul Miller's Law, Pennsylvania bans handheld use of any interactive mobile device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The law took effect June 5, 2025 with warnings only in its first year, and $50 fines began June 5, 2026 (75 Pa.C.S. 3316.1).
Verified Jul 13, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VermontRestricted
Vermont requires hands-free driving: you can't use a portable electronic device in your hand while driving, and that includes when you are stopped in traffic (23 VSA 1095b).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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