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If you didn't already know there's a new Ohio driving and texting law, Marietta City Council drove home the point Thursday night.
Council heard second reading of an ordinance to amend Section 333.11 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Marietta, Electronic Wireless Communication Device Use Prohibited While Driving. Basically, the new Ohio law overwrites the current local ordinance.
The new state -- and municipal -- law says that as of April 4, 2023, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, the driver can be pulled over.
Drivers older than 18 years can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including speakerphones, earpieces, wireless headsets, electronic watches or phones connected to vehicles. Drivers younger than 18 are still restricted from using their devices in any way, including hands-free features.
The state of Ohio is in the midst of a six-month grace period from the time the law went into effect. During the grace period through early October, only warnings are being given for violations. Once police begin issuing citations in early October, however, repeated violations will face escalating penalties.
The first offense within two years carries two points on a driver's license and a fine of up to $150. A second offense in two years jumps to three points and a fine of up to $250. Any additional offenses would mean four points on the license, up to a $500 fine and a potential 90-day license suspension.
If a violation occurs in a work zone, any fines are doubled.
There are a number of online articles explaining other details of the new law. It may be tempting to try to circumvent it in some way. The main message, however, is very similar to the warnings drivers receive about going through high water on roads or running red lights at railroad crossings: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.