“Phone in Hand? You Could Be Ticketed”: Judge John Good Breaks Down Ohio’s Confusing Distracted Driving Law
ASHLAND, Ohio — After riding along with the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and seeing distracted-driving enforcement firsthand, it became clear just how aggressively Ohio’s updated electronic handheld device laws are now being enforced — and how much confusion still exists among drivers.
That firsthand experience prompted an in-depth conversation with Ashland County Municipal Court Honorable Judge John Good, who sat down for a 50-minute interview to explain Ohio’s distracted driving and electronic handheld device laws, what has changed, and why so many “what if” questions continue to surface in courtrooms across the state.
With Ohio’s distracted driving laws now being enforced more aggressively, many drivers across Ashland County and beyond are asking the same question:
What is the law now — and what exactly changed?
Judge Good said the issue isn’t the enforcement — it’s the law itself.
“This is one of the most difficult statutes I’ve seen in 31 years,” he said. “It’s confusing to citizens, confusing to law enforcement, and confusing to the courts.”
A Problem Everyone Recognizes
Distracted driving is something nearly every motorist has witnessed.
It’s the frustration of sitting at a traffic light that turns green while the driver in front remains stopped, staring down at a phone. Or the anxiety of following a vehicle drifting lane to lane, clearly not paying attention.
“We have accidents right out here in front of the court,” Judge Good said, pointing to busy intersections like Main Street and U.S. 42.
With distracted driving continuing to cause crashes statewide, enforcement has intensified. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local agencies are actively issuing citations to drive home a clear message:
Stop driving while using electronic devices.
But that message quickly leads to confusion — because drivers want to know how far the law goes.
The Questions Drivers Keep Asking
As enforcement increases, so do the “what if” questions heard daily in court:
What if I’m using GPS?
What if I’m on speakerphone?
What if I’m stopped at a red light?
What if I just tap the screen once?
What about delivery drivers who rely on apps?
Why are police officers allowed to use devices while driving?
Judge Good said those questions are exactly why he agreed to the interview.
“People come into court genuinely unsure of what’s allowed,” he said.
As for claims of “laws for thee and not for me,” Judge Good said the short answer is no. Certain workers — such as law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, and utility crews — have narrow exceptions because they must perform critical job functions while responding to emergencies or maintaining public safety.
For everyone else, the law is far stricter than many realize.
Two Different Laws People Commonly Mix Up
Judge Good emphasized that Ohio actually has two separate distracted-driving-related laws, and confusing them causes many misunderstandings.
1️⃣ Distracted Driving Specification (Older Law)
The older distracted driving statute, (Section 4511.991) does not create a standalone ticket. Instead, it is a specification that can be added to another traffic offense — such as speeding or failure to maintain lanes — allowing an additional fine (if the driver is distracted).
Drivers cannot be stopped solely for this specification.
2️⃣ Electronic Handheld Device Law (Current Focus)
The law now generating the most citations is Ohio Revised Code 4511.204, often still called “texting while driving.”
“That name is misleading,” Judge Good said. “The new statute now prohibits many uses of electronic hand-held devices, not just Texting .”
He prefers calling it the “electronic handheld device statute,” because it broadly restricts how drivers may interact with phones and other electronics while driving.
Understanding Ohio Revised Code 4511.204
“Driving While Texting” / Hands-Free Law
Effective April 4, 2023, Ohio’s Hands-Free Law became a primary traffic offense, meaning police may stop a driver solely for violating it.
What the Law Prohibits
Under 4511.204(A), a driver may not use, hold, or physically support an electronic wireless communications device with any part of the body while operating a motor vehicle.
That includes:
Holding a phone in your hand
Resting it on your knee or lap
Supporting it with your arm or body
Typing, scrolling, browsing, or watching video
📌 Key detail: The law applies when the vehicle is moving. Under Ohio law, “operating” a vehicle means causing it to move.
✅ What Is Allowed — The 13 Exceptions
Judge Good said the most confusing part of the law is its 13 exceptions, which contain strict conditions.
🚨 Emergency & Work-Related Use
Calling 911 or emergency services
On-duty law enforcement, fire, EMS, or utility workers
Commercial truck drivers using mounted data terminals
When the Vehicle Is Not Moving
Stopped at a red light
Pulled off the roadway and outside the lane of travel
Stopped due to traffic congestion, road closure, or emergency
Phone Calls
Holding a phone directly at or near the ear for a voice call
Using Bluetooth or speakerphone, only if the phone is not held or supported
GPS & Navigation
Looking at or listening to navigation instructions
GPS is allowed only if the device is mounted
No manual entry of addresses, numbers, or symbols while driving
☝️ “One Touch / One Swipe” Rule
A single tap or swipe is allowed
No typing, scrolling, or holding the device
Storage
Phones may be stored in a pocket, holster, or clothing as long as they are not being used
❌ Common Misunderstandings
Judge Good said these violations are seen repeatedly in court:
Speakerphone while holding the phone
Delivery drivers assuming work apps are exempt
Holding a phone for GPS instead of mounting it
Entering addresses while driving
Repeatedly touching a phone while moving
Penalties
Violations of 4511.204 are an unclassified misdemeanor and a strict liability offense — meaning intent does not matter.
Standard Penalties
1st offense (within 2 years):
Up to $150 fine
2 points
Fine and points will be waived if the Defendant completes a distracted driving course within 90 days
2nd offense within 2 years:
Up to $250 fine
3 points
No course option
3rd offense within 2 years:
Up to $500 fine
4 points
Possible 90-day license suspension
🚧 Construction Zones
Fines are doubled
No fine or point waivers, even on a first offense
Drivers Under 18
No electronic device use allowed at all, even hands-free
Limits on Enforcement
The law also includes protections for drivers:
Officers must personally observe the violation
Police cannot stop a vehicle based solely on a tip
Officers cannot search or seize a phone without a warrant
Officers must document the race of the driver in citation reports
Judge Good’s Thoughts:
Judge Good said he cannot give legal advice, but he believes judges have a responsibility to help people understand the law — especially one this complex.
“If you don’t want the ticket, don’t use the phone while you are driving the car,” he said. “Pull over. Stop the car. Handle what you need to handle. Then drive again.”
With confusion rising and enforcement increasing, the judge said the takeaway is simple:
Distracted driving is dangerous — and under Ohio law, handling electronics while driving can quickly become a violation, even when drivers believe they’re doing something normal.
Ashland County Municipal Court Honorable Judge John Good answers these questions — and many more — during the full interview.
