Roundup: Texting While Driving Laws in Neighboring Communities

Beachwood passed a law this week that bans any cell phone use that requires drivers to take a hand off the wheel, joining a few other area communities in imposing a two-point penalty and a fine for getting caught with a cell phone in your hand on the road.

This law, which can carry a $101 fine, is more strict than the law that was signed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich earlier this month, which only prohibits adult drivers from texting.

We know you don't only drive in Beachwood, so we called several area departments to find out who else has a similar law. 

(Of course, it's important to note that distracted driving is an offense all over Ohio - so just because the city doesn't have a law like Beachwood's doesn't mean you can't get pulled over for using your phone, eating, applying makeup or doing just about anything else that takes away from your attention to the road.)

We found two nearby communities with laws stricter than Ohio's law.

• Woodmere — Woodmere has a law like Beachwood's, where drivers can be pulled over if police see them using a phone with their hands. It does not apply to GPS devices, though. It is a two-point offense and carries an $80 fine.
• South Euclid — South Euclid's law is exactly like Beachwood's. It's also a two-point offense and carries a $150 fine.

We also got in touch with Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, Mayfield, Mayfield Heights, Warrensville Heights, Gates Mills and Orange — none of whom have laws that are more strict than the state law.

Know of a community that we left out whose law is stricter than Ohio's? Tell me in the comments, and I'll confirm it!