Mobile Ham Radio Guide: Navigating Hands-Free Laws & State Exemptions
Hands-Free Cellphone Laws vs. Amateur Radio
Under FCC Part 97, hams may operate two-way radio transmitters in vehicles, provided they comply with power limits and identification requirements. Hands-free cellphone laws—adopted by 28 states plus D.C.—prohibit drivers from holding or manipulating a cellphone, but nearly all define the restricted devices as those used for commercial mobile service (i.e., cellular), not licensed amateur‐radio gear en.wikipedia.org.
The ARRL has long advocated that hands-free statutes narrowly define “personal wireless communications device” to exclude two-way radio equipment—an approach already codified in states like Connecticut and Illinois arrl.orgcga.ct.gov. More recently, Iowa enacted a law (effective July 1, 2025) exempting licensed amateurs from its distracted‐driving ban arnewsline.org. In practice, this means mobile hams can continue to use their rigs and microphones without fear of hands-free citations.
State-by-State Hands-Free Ban & Ham Exemption
The following table lists all 50 states (plus D.C.) and notes:
- Universal Handheld Ban?—Does the state prohibit all drivers from using handheld cellphones?
- Ham Radio Exempt?—Is amateur‐radio equipment explicitly or implicitly exempt from that ban?
| State | Handheld Ban for All Drivers | Ham Radio Exempt? | Notes on Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | Yes | Law targets cellphones; two‐way radios not defined as “wireless communication devices.” |
| Alaska | No | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | Statute explicitly exempts licensed radio operators and two‐way radios en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. |
| Arkansas | No | Yes | |
| California | Yes | Yes | |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | New law (Jan 1, 2025) prohibits mobile device use but allows hands-free; amateur‐radio gear is excluded codot.gov. |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | Exempts FCC‐licensed amateur‐radio operators using handheld radios cga.ct.gov. |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | |
| Florida | No | Yes | |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | |
| Hawaii | Yes | Yes | |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Exempts amateur‐radio equipment under § 12-610.2(d)(8) ilga.gov. |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | |
| Iowa | No* | Yes | New exemption takes effect July 1, 2025 arnewsline.org. |
| Kansas | No | Yes | |
| Kentucky | No | Yes | |
| Louisiana | No | Yes | |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes | |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes | |
| Mississippi | No | Yes | |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | |
| Montana | No | Yes | |
| Nebraska | No | Yes | |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | |
| New Mexico | No | Yes | |
| New York | Yes | Yes | |
| North Carolina | No | Yes | |
| North Dakota | No | Yes | |
| Ohio | No | Yes | |
| Oklahoma | No | Yes | |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | |
| South Carolina | No | Yes | |
| South Dakota | No | Yes | |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes | |
| Texas | No | Yes | |
| Utah | No | Yes | |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | Statute excludes amateur‐radio and CB services forums.radioreference.com. |
| Washington | No | Yes | |
| Washington, D.C. | Yes | Yes | |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes | |
| Wyoming | No | Yes |
Best Practices for Mobile Ham Operation
- Mount Your Rig Properly
- Secure dashboard or under-dash mount for head unit; keep microphone within arm’s reach.
- Use a Hands-Free Mic or VOX
- Even though hams are exempt, a boom or lapel mic reduces physical distraction.
- Pull Over When Programming
- Adjusting frequencies or menus is best done stopped—safety first.
- Follow Local Regulations
- Laws can change—check your state’s DMV website or motor‐vehicle code for updates. This post is believed to be current on 6/12/2025.
By understanding that hands-free cellphone laws are designed for commercial mobile devices, not two-way amateur equipment, mobile hams can legally and safely continue on-air communications while driving. Have you set up your mobile station to maximize safety and compliance? Leave a comment below with your favorite mobile rig and mount solution!
73 for now, and be safe!