The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Transportation recently unveiled a statewide public awareness campaign to remind drivers of Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving laws.

Beginning this week, it will be illegal in most cases for a driver to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device while driving on Ohio roads. The use of cell phones and other electronic communications devices will be considered a primary traffic offense for all drivers, allowing law enforcement to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation.

Warnings will be issued for distracted driving during a 6-month grace period as part of the effort to educate and help motorists adapt to the new law. Violations will be issued beginning on Oct. 4.