New cellphone restrictions in Delaware

Texting and cellphone laws by state

Drivers in Delaware will be prohibited from texting while driving and from talking on hand-held cell phones under a new law signed by Gov. Jack Markell.

The legislation signed by Markell on Tuesday also bans e-mailing and using the Internet while driving. Cellphone conversations will have to be conducted via speaker phone or other hands-free devices.

The new law, which takes effect Jan. 2, includes exemptions for police, firefighters and other emergency personnel. It also exempts the use of citizens band and two-way radios by truckers and other commercial drivers.

The District, Virginia and Maryland have all enacted bans in recent years. The Maryland legislature passed a bill banning the use of handheld cellphones while driving in April. The law takes effect Oct. 1.

-- Associated press and staff reports