Using a mobile phone while driving in Oklahoma (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Oklahoma bans manually composing, sending or reading text messages on a hand-held device while driving; holding a phone is otherwise banned only in marked school zones and road construction zones. Hands-free use is allowed and no licence points are recorded. A learner permit or intermediate licence may be suspended or cancelled for using a hand-held device while driving.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; School zones and road construction zones | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 0 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read an electronic text message (including instant messages, email, photos and video) is banned while the vehicle is moving. Hands-free devices are excluded. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | A learner permit or intermediate Class D licence may be suspended or cancelled for using a hand-held electronic device while driving other than in a life-threatening emergency. [1] |
Notes
- The statewide offence is using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually compose, send or read a text message while the vehicle is in motion. Holding a phone for a call is not banned statewide.
- In a marked school zone with a reduced limit in effect, or in a road construction zone, using a hand-held device while the vehicle is in motion is banned unless used hands-free or voice-operated. In force from 1 November 2025.
- Maximum amount ('not more than USD 100'); no minimum is stated. Municipal ordinances may not set a higher fine.
- The statutes direct that the Department of Public Safety shall not record or assess points for these violations.
Sources
- Oklahoma Legislature: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 47 Motor Vehicles (complete title, RTF) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Oklahoma and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
| Arkansas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School zones: Banned in school zones Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Highway work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed (not under 18) | USD 25 to 250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Colorado | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 | 2 points |
| Kansas | Texting only | Allowed | USD 60 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | ⚠ Not yet verified | Allowed | USD 25 (first violation) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School crossing zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | USD 25 to 99 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Oklahoma
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence without a medical licence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Set by ODOT after a study · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Set by ODOT after a study
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 with driver education; otherwise 16
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no stick rockets) · Minimum age to buy: 12 (under-12s only with an adult)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not listed; proper use allowed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (larger employers)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only children under 8 (restraint system)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.