On the Job 

On April 4, a new state law took effect making it illegal in most circumstances for anyone in Ohio to use or hold (with any part of the body) a cellphone or other electronic communication device while driving. (This was already illegal for Ohio drivers under 18.)

The change means law enforcement officers can pull over drivers using such a device for that reason alone; previously, officers could do so only if a traffic offense had been committed.

Law enforcement is issuing warnings during the first six months of the law — a grace period for drivers to adjust to the change — but will start writing tickets Oct. 5.

Under the new law, all law enforcement agencies must report the number and race of offenders who are cited each month for using or holding an electronic wireless communications device (R.C. 4511.204). Additionally, they must report citations issued to anyone who committed a traffic offense because they were using a cellphone or other device. This area is not covered by the grace period.

Law enforcement agencies should report citations using a form available through the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG), found under the listing “Distracted Driver Reporting.”