Beginning on July 1st, Hoosiers will see a dramatic change to the state's driving laws as Indiana residents will no longer be permitted to hold handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while driving unless calling 911.

State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) authored the new law, stated using hands-free and voice-operated technology like Bluetooth and speakerphone, and having phones mounted on a window or dashboard is still allowed.

Currently, Indiana only bans texting while driving, which includes using email. During the 2020 legislative session, law enforcement officials cited the challenges they faced enforcing the law as it is difficult to distinguish texting and emailing over any other cell phone activity.

On July 1st, Indiana will join 21 other states with similar hands-free laws, a step supported by the Indiana State Police. By their estimates, roughly 130 lives could be saved each year due to this new law.