Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law HB 2318 on April 22, 2019. The law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2021.
According to the text of the law, unless a motor vehicle is parked or stopped, a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway if the person does either of the following:
1. Physically holds or supports with any part of the person's body either of the following:
- A portable wireless communication device, except that a person may use a portable wireless communication device with an earpiece, headphone device or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice-based communication
- A stand-alone electronic device
2. Writes, sends or reads any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, email or internet data, on a portable wireless communication device or stand-alone electronic device. This paragraph does not apply to either of the following:
- The use of voice-based communications, including through the use of a portable wireless communication device or stand-alone electronic device, to direct the writing, sending, reading or other communicating of any text-based communication.
- The use of a portable wireless communication device or stand-alone device when used in a hands-free manner for:
- Navigation of the motor vehicle
- Use of a global positioning system
- Obtaining motor vehicle information or information related to driving a motor vehicle
