Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Some Cities Passing Tougher Distracted Driving Laws Than States

Several cities are responding to what they view as lax state legislation by passing their own distracted driving laws. Three states in the nation still allow texting while driving and only 16 have adopted hands-free laws, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

February 12, 2019
Some Cities Passing Tougher Distracted Driving Laws Than States

Cities in Arizona and Michigan have passed distracted driving laws that are more strict than ones passed at the state level.

Photo via U.S. Air Force.

2 min to read


Several cities are responding to what they view as lax state legislation by passing their own distracted driving laws. Three states in the nation still allow texting while driving and only 16 have adopted hands-free laws, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Glendale, Arizona is a case in point. Arizona does not currently have a statewide ban on texting while driving, so Glendale city council members took matters into their own hands. The council recently passed an ordinance stating that drivers can be pulled over for using a cellphone even if stopped at a red light, reports ABC News.

Ad Loading...

Now, if caught using a cell phone behind the wheel, Glendale motorists face stiff penalties — as high as $250.

Meanwhile, Battle Creek, Mich., recently banned the use of cell phones behind the wheel, reports the Grand Valley Lanthorn. Starting on Feb. 15, motorists in the city found handling a cellphone can get pulled over, despite whether or not they are texting.

While Michigan's state law bans texting while driving, it leaves ample room for drivers to engage in other cellphone manipulation — for example, using GPS, making calls, and switching music playlists.

Violators of Battle Creek's new hands-free law will be fined $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent violations, notes the report.

Distracted driving remains a serious concern nationwide. In a recent survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 80% of motorists said they have talked on their phone while driving in the past 30 days, with 30% reporting that they do it on a daily basis. Moreover, 38% of those surveyed admitted to reading emails or texts while driving and 33% said they sent emails or texts.

Ad Loading...

Presently, no state in the nation bans all cell phone use for drivers, but 38 states and D.C. ban all cellphone use by novice drivers, according to the GHSA.

More Safety

A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Coca-Cola fleet executive smiling beside graphic text reading “Rolling Dollar Signs” about the company’s trucking and fleet strategy.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 12, 2026

How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk

As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.

Read More →
Two trucking industry workers talk in front of semi-trucks beside text reading, “The issue isn’t lack of safety technology — it’s lack of alignment.”
SafetyMay 12, 2026

How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety

Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.

Read More →
pictures of a lock with the words Cybersecurity 101
Safetyby Jeanny RoaMay 11, 2026

Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors

From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Read More →