In recent months, there has been a surge of social media warnings about a new “No Touch” law supposedly coming into effect in 31 states including Indiana, which prohibits drivers from physically touching their phones or other handheld devices while driving, even when stopped at traffic signals.
This article clarifies the status of Indiana’s distracted driving laws and provides the latest statistics on distracted driving incidents, helping drivers understand what is legally expected and how it impacts road safety.
Understanding Indiana’s “No Touch” Law Status
Contrary to viral reports, Indiana has not enacted a new “No Touch” law in 2025. Instead, Indiana already has had a Hands-Free law since July 1, 2020. This law prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets while driving, with the only exception being if a driver needs to call 911 during an emergency.
Holding a device under normal circumstances can lead to a Class C misdemeanor ticket with fines up to $500 and points on the driver’s license. The confusion arose largely due to Pennsylvania’s new “No Touch” law known as Paul Miller’s Law, which took effect on June 5, 2025.
Pennsylvania joined 30 other states with similar laws banning handheld device use while driving. Social media posts misinterpreted Pennsylvania’s recent enactment as a simultaneous nationwide implementation, which is false. Indiana’s law remains unchanged since 2020 and remains enforceable under its existing provisions.
Key Features of Indiana’s Hands-Free Law
- Effective since July 1, 2020, aimed at reducing distracted driving.
- Prohibits holding or touching any mobile device while operating a vehicle.
- Exceptions apply only for emergency calls to 911.
- Violations are punishable as a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500.
- Violations add points to the driver’s license, potentially affecting insurance and driving privileges.
Latest Distracted Driving Statistics in Indiana and Nationwide
1.) Distracted driving, especially due to handheld device usage, remains a significant cause of traffic incidents. While Indiana’s focused efforts have aimed to curb this behavior, national and local data underline its ongoing danger:
2.) According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving led to over 3,200 deaths in the United States in 2023.
3.) Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation reported 11,262 distracted driving crashes in 2023, exceeding alcohol-related crash counts, illustrating the critical importance of hands-free laws.
4.) Indiana’s continued enforcement of the Hands-Free law is designed to target these figures by minimizing phone-related distractions behind the wheel.
Conclusion
The perception that Indiana introduced a new “No Touch” law in 2025 is a misunderstanding stemming from Pennsylvania’s recent legislation. Indiana drivers should be aware that their Hands-Free law from 2020 remains in effect and mandates zero tolerance for holding mobile devices while driving.
Adhering to this law is vital for reducing distracted driving incidents and improving road safety statewide. The latest data confirm distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes nationwide, underscoring the ongoing need for driver vigilance and strict compliance with hands-free regulations.
Staying informed about the exact nature and enforcement of these laws can help Hoosiers avoid penalties and contribute to safer roadways for everyone.
Source:
[1] https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/touch-law-driving-31-states/
[2] https://wkdq.com/indiana-no-touch-law/
[3] https://www.bbs-law.com/bbs-blog/what-the-viral-no-touch-law-means-for-you-as-a-driver-this-summer
[4] https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-clarifying-claim-cellphone-110000338.html
[5] https://www.in.gov/indot/safety/hands-free-indiana/
[6] https://travelnoire.com/no-touch-laws
[7] https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-investigating-rumor-cellphone-130000864.html
[8] https://www.kenallenlaw.com/2025/07/the-2025-no-touch-law-and-variety-of-distractions-in-deadly-distracted-driving-accidents/
[9] https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/indiana-no-hands-law/