The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a new law that came into effect on November 1, 2025, which prohibits drivers from using mobile phones while driving. This is House Bill 2263 (HB2263), which was created with the aim of reducing accident data related to distracted driving caused by mobile phone use, as provided by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Rep. Nicole Miller was responsible for drafting it, including the prohibition of texting and the use of any portable device while driving in school or construction zones. Drivers were given an awareness campaign prior to the implementation of the new law, and digital signs on the road now continuously inform about the ‘hands-free’ law.
Oklahoma House Bill 2263 (HB2263)
Since November 1, 2025, a new law came into effect in the state of Oklahoma that prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving in school zones and construction zones. The drafting of this new law, by Rep. Nicole Miller, expands the prohibition on texting and using any portable device while driving. This law arises from the urgent need of the Oklahoma House of Representatives to reduce the data reported by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) between 2017 and 2021: more than 250 deaths and over 8,000 injuries, most of which involved drivers who had used their phone just before the accident.
Fines are expected to be quite high, especially for repeat offenders. Authorities emphasize the need to protect the lives of children and workers who are most exposed in those areas, as well as the lives of the driver and other people on the road.
Aspects to consider about the new law
Rep. Miller makes a fairly clear distinction between the use of the physical device and the use of hands-free. According to the text of the law, if the GPS device can be operated by voice commands, it can be used without committing an infraction. The problem and infraction occur when the device is held while driving.
Privacy Protection
According to HB2263, law enforcement officers may under no circumstances access, download, or inspect a driver’s phone, unless there is a court order indicating that another crime has been committed. When drafting the bill, Miller wanted to ensure the privacy of drivers, and it has also been a way to help the law be better received. However, this is not a clause considered in all states, ç For now, the implementation of a ‘hands-free’ law only affects 4 million drivers across the country.
Preparation for the law
Before it came into effect, the Oklahoma House of Representatives conducted an awareness campaign throughout the state to ensure that all drivers received the relevant information about the new law and what its implementation would entail. Now, the areas where it must be applied are marked with digital signs on the road, constantly reminding drivers who pass through a school zone or a construction zone.
The approval and enactment of this type of laws aim to protect drivers and other people on the road or public streets. Many times, drivers believe they have full control over their driving, but the truth is that distracted driving caused by mobile phone use is often one of the main reasons for injuries or accidents with more severe outcomes. In this situation, authorities are compelled to correct drivers’ irregular behavior with increasingly tough and strict laws.