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distracted-driving · Ohio, USA

Ohio strengthens distracted driving laws after senator's Zoom incident

What happened?

Still unclear

After Ohio State Senator Andrew Brenner was seen driving during an official Zoom meeting in May 2021, Ohio significantly strengthened its distracted driving laws, making handheld device use a primary offense with escalating penalties, though Brenner himself faced no direct

5 sourcesBy AfterTheClip Desk · Last checked Jul 6, 2026

By AfterTheClip Research

Sources: Snopes; The Guardian; Inquirer News

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Timeline

  1. Ohio State Senator Andrew Brenner participates in an Ohio Controlling Board Zoom meeting while driving, using a virtual background to conceal his actual location.

  2. Ohio legislators introduce House Bill 283, a bill aimed at cracking down on distracted driving, creating a coincidental timing with Senator Brenner's meeting.

  3. News reports widely cover the incident, and Senator Brenner denies being distracted, claiming he was parked for most of the meeting.

  4. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs Senate Bill 288 into law, making handheld device use while driving a primary traffic offense for all drivers.

  5. The new Ohio distracted driving law (SB 288) goes into effect, with a six-month grace period before enforcement begins.

  6. Criminal penalties for violations of Ohio's new distracted driving law begin.

What people are asking

Is it okay to video call while driving?

In Ohio, new laws effective April 2023 (with criminal penalties starting October 2023) make holding a phone or using it for video calls while driving a primary traffic offense, with exceptions for hands-free equipment or emergency calls.

What is safe driving mode in Zoom?

The provided information does not detail Zoom's "safe driving mode."

Can you get pulled over for texting and driving in Ohio?

Yes, as of April 2023 (with criminal penalties starting October 2023), Ohio law makes holding a phone or using it for texting while driving a primary traffic offense, meaning law enforcement can pull you over for this alone.

Receipts

How we researched this & corrections

This story was compiled using public reports from reputable news organizations and factual notes provided in the research findings.

Spot something wrong? Corrections: corrections@aftertheclip.com.

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