Oklahoma’s Handheld Phone Ban in Work & School Zones

Distracted driving is one of the main causes of vehicle accidents in Oklahoma. A new bill, House Bill 2263, aims to help deter one form of distracted driving – the use of handheld cell phones in school zones and at construction sites.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed the law. The bill was also approved by the Oklahoma Senate. Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed the legislation on May 13, 2025, which means the House and Senate will have to decide whether to try to override the veto or change the language in the bill. The bill’s sponsor is Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond. The House and Senate votes were more than the amounts needed to override a veto.

Governor Stitt stated that he vetoed the legislation because:

Our kids’ safety is our number one priority, but a complicated patchwork of laws makes it harder to keep them safe. Oklahoma has already criminalized texting and driving, regardless of location. We should enforce the laws already on the books instead of adding new laws. For these reasons, I have vetoed Enrolled House Bill 2263.

Oklahoma currently bans texting while driving statewide, but does not ban general handheld phone use or impose additional restrictions in school or work zones. HB 2263 would permit drivers the right to use hands-free technology. This technology includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android. These technologies enable drivers to “stay connected” without using their hands to hold a phone. Drivers should have both hands on the steering wheel at all times to keep control of their vehicle so it stays in the driver’s lane and so drivers can maneuver their vehicle in the event of an emergency.

HB 2263 “mirrors” the existing texting ban law. HB 2263 also ensures that law officers “cannot examine, confiscate or download data from a driver’s phone without a warrant or probable cause of a crime.”

What is Oklahoma’s current law on texting and driving?

The current Oklahoma law that bans texting was enacted because, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, during the years 2017-2021, 250 people died and 8,000 people were injured in Oklahoma due to distracted driving. Studies show drivers involved in crashes are twice as likely to have used their phones in the minute leading up to the accident.

The current Oklahoma law (since HB 2263 is not law because of the Governor’s veto) is known as “Know B4 U Go.” That slogan is meant to inform drivers that they should plan their route, have conversations with others, and eat or drink – BEFORE they start their trip. Most everything that causes driver distractions should be handled before the trip starts or after the trip is completed.

Oklahoma became the 46^th state to make texting while driving illegal.

What electronic communications are prohibited

The current Oklahoma ban on texting law provides that no driver may use a handheld communications device or cellular telephone to send text messages, read text messages, or compose text messages while their vehicle is in operation on any Oklahoma street or highway. Drivers of commercial vehicles cannot use a hand-held mobile telephone – for any reason, including texting – unless the driver needs to communicate with a law enforcement official or in other limited circumstances.

Oklahoma’s texting definitions and conditions for commercial drivers and other drivers

The statute provides precise definitions for cellular telephones and electronic communication devices, and for writing, sending, and receiving communications. Generally, these devices include the ability to manually send, receive, and read written communications. They do not include a GPS affixed to the motor vehicle. The statute also includes precise rules for public transit drivers, like school bus drivers.

The operation of a vehicle includes being stopped at a traffic control device. “Operating does not include when the driver of a commercial motor vehicle has moved the vehicle to the side of or off a street or highway and has halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.”

Voice commands tend to be acceptable. Hands-free devices are typically acceptable, except for commercial drivers. Interlock ignition devices (IIDs) are also allowed.

Exceptions to Oklahoma’s texting law

Some of the permissible exceptions include texting to communicate, in emergency situations, with law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance services, medical offices, and emergency response workers. Commercial drivers can use voice commands and read GPS or other navigation information.

What are the consequences for violating Oklahoma’s ban on texting law?

Violations of the law would result in hefty fines. Commercial drivers who violate the law can be charged with a misdemeanor. They may also face other consequences if convicted, such as the loss of their commercial driver’s license.

Why is distracted driving dangerous?

According to the state of Oklahoma, in 2021, distracted driving was the cause of 44 deaths, 178 serious injuries, and 1,021 minor injuries. Another 1,675 of the total of 7,904 statewide distracted driving accidents may have caused injuries. The worst day for distracted driving accidents was Friday. The worst time for distracted driving accidents was between 5 pm and 6 pm. 1,886 Oklahoma City accidents were due to distracted driving in 2021. The two leading age groups for distracted driving were 20-24 followed by 15-19.

The three main dangers of driver distraction are:

• Not having hands on the steering wheel
• Not focusing on the traffic in front of the driver, the rear, and the sides of the driver
• Not being prepared to respond to traffic emergencies

Some of the causes of distracted driving, other than texting include:

• Using a phone as a GPS
• Having conversations on a mobile phone or device
• Eating
• Drinking
• Tending to a child or a pet
• Personal grooming
• Rubbernecking – looking at an accident

At Cunningham & Mears, we have nearly 30 years of experience holding drivers, trucking companies, employers, and others accountable when they drive while distracted or fail to properly monitor distracted driving. We demand compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, car damage, and all other financial and personal damages.

Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and all other personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis.