Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Montana (MT), as of the knowledge cutoff in early 2023, there is no statewide ban on hand-held phone use while driving for all drivers. However, Montana does have a ban on texting while driving for all drivers, which aligns with the majority of states in the U.S. that have implemented such bans. The state does not have specific restrictions on cell phone use for novice drivers or school bus drivers at the state level. It's important to note that local ordinances within Montana may have stricter regulations on distracted driving, so drivers should be aware of the laws in the specific municipalities where they are driving. For the most current information on Montana's distracted driving laws, it is advisable to consult the Montana Department of Transportation or a local attorney.