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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law: What You Can and Cannot Do
Since July 1, 2020, Indiana law has prohibited drivers from holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, while driving, the Indiana Department of Transportation says. You can still call, navigate and play music, as long as you do it hands-free. This guide covers what the law says, what is allowed, which devices it covers and what a violation can mean, from INDOT.
July 1, 2020Indiana's hands-free law took effect (INDOT)
5 sec.average time texting drivers look away from the road (INDOT)
2-6xcrash risk when manipulating a cellphone, per three studies (INDOT)
Class Cinfraction possible for holding a device while driving (INDOT)
The short answer
In Indiana, you may not hold a phone, tablet or other telecommunications device while your vehicle is moving. Calls, GPS navigation and music are fine if you use them hands-free, such as through Bluetooth, a speakerphone, an earpiece or voice commands. The only exception INDOT lists is calling emergency services in an emergency. A violation can bring a Class C infraction, a fine and points on your driving record.
What Indiana's hands-free law says
House Enrolled Act 1070, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59: a person may not hold a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle. The law took effect July 1, 2020, and Indiana became the 22nd state to enact a hands-free while driving law, INDOT says.
Indiana has had a do-not-text-while-driving law since 2011, but that law did not address holding a mobile device for other purposes and presented enforcement challenges, INDOT says. The hands-free law is more comprehensive: it prohibits drivers from having a mobile device in hand while their vehicles are moving.
From INDOT, "Hands-Free Indiana," the Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law Fact Sheet and FAQ, read October 27, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
What is allowed and what is not
INDOT's answers to common questions:
| Situation | Allowed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Talking on the phone | Yes, hands-free | Use a speakerphone, Bluetooth, earpiece, headphone or other hands-free device. |
| Dialing, answering or ending a call by hand | No, while moving | Use voice commands, or pull off the road safely and stop first. |
| GPS apps such as Google Maps and Waze | Yes, hands-free | Turn-by-turn navigation is allowed if the device is used hands-free while moving. |
| Music, podcasts and streaming audio | Yes, hands-free | Allowed as long as the device playing the audio is used hands-free. |
| Calling emergency services | Yes, in a true emergency | Devices may be used or held to call emergency services to report a true emergency. |
| Amateur, two-way or CB radio | Yes | Allowed, but drivers must use them in a safe manner. |
From INDOT, Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law FAQ and Fact Sheet, read October 27, 2026.
Which devices the law covers
The law is not only about phones. INDOT says it applies to electronic communications devices, including cell phones, tablets and smartwatches. A smartwatch may still be used as a conventional watch to check the time.
If your vehicle does not have Bluetooth, INDOT notes that many retailers offer Bluetooth adapters that let smartphones be used hands-free. Mounts and brackets may make it easier to view map apps while keeping your focus on driving.
From INDOT, Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law FAQ, read October 27, 2026.
If you need to hold your phone
INDOT's advice when you cannot use your phone hands-free:
Pull off completely
Find a safe place to pull off the road, such as a gas station or convenience store, and bring your vehicle to a complete stop before holding your phone.
Skip the interstate shoulder
Parking on the shoulder of an interstate is only permitted in an emergency.
Think twice about other shoulders
It is legal to park on the shoulder in some areas on U.S. highways, state roads and local or county roads, but it is not always safe.
Use voice commands
While the vehicle is moving, use voice commands to dial, answer or end calls.
From INDOT, Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law FAQ, read October 27, 2026.
Penalties and points
Holding a phone or other mobile device while driving, with the exception of an emergency, may result in a Class C infraction and subject a driver to a fine, INDOT says. The Indiana BMV began adding points to driving records on July 29, 2021.
Why it matters: on average, people who text and drive take their attention away from the road for five seconds at a time, INDOT says. At 55 miles per hour, that is the equivalent of driving a full football field blindfolded.
From INDOT, "Hands-Free Indiana," the Fact Sheet and FAQ, read October 27, 2026.
Routine checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Indiana hands-free law FAQ
What is Indiana's hands-free driving law?
Indiana Code 9-21-8-59 says a person may not hold a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle. It took effect July 1, 2020, INDOT says.
Can I talk on my phone while driving in Indiana?
Yes, as long as you do it hands-free. INDOT says you may use a speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, earpiece, headphone or other device that allows hands-free communication.
Can I hold my phone to dial or answer a call?
No, not while your vehicle is moving. INDOT says to use voice commands to dial or to answer and end calls. The only exception it lists is calling emergency services in an emergency. If you cannot use voice commands, pull off the road safely and come to a complete stop before holding your phone.
Can I use Google Maps or Waze while driving?
Yes, provided you use the device hands-free while the vehicle is moving. INDOT notes that mounts and brackets may make it easier to view map apps while keeping your focus on driving.
Does the law cover smartwatches and tablets?
Yes. INDOT says the law applies to electronic communications devices, including cell phones, tablets and smartwatches, though a smartwatch may be used as a conventional watch to check the time.
What is the penalty for holding a phone while driving in Indiana?
Holding a phone or other mobile device while driving, except in an emergency, may result in a Class C infraction and a fine, INDOT says. The Indiana BMV began adding points to driving records on July 29, 2021.
Can I pull onto the shoulder to use my phone?
INDOT says parking on the shoulder of an interstate is only permitted in an emergency, and even where shoulder parking is legal it is not always safe. Find a safe place to pull off the road completely, such as a gas station or convenience store.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Hands-free law details are from the Indiana Department of Transportation's Hands-Free Indiana page, FAQ and fact sheet, read October 27, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Hands-Free Indiana (law, statistics, FAQs, BMV points), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- Indiana Hands-Free Driving Law: Fact Sheet (PDF), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026