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Starting September 2025, American drivers are facing a wave of new traffic regulations with the much-talked-about “touch law” leading the charge. Already in force in South Carolina and expanding to states such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana, the rule makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone while driving with fines reaching up to $250 in certain zones.
The crackdown is part of a seven-law package rolling out nationwide, focusing on distracted driving, school-zone safety, young driver training, and tougher DUI penalties. But that’s not all. By September 12, six other traffic laws also come into play, reshaping the way Americans must drive. Check out all about these New US Traffic Laws from the post below.
Seven New Road Rules 2025
September 2025 introduces America’s “touch law,” banning phone use behind the wheel. With fines up to $250, states aim to curb distractions and boost overall driving safety.
Philadelphia and Miami-Dade deploy new speed cameras, while Connecticut uses AI on school buses. These measures focus on protecting children, pedestrians, and reducing reckless driving behaviors.
Ohio strengthens young driver training with structured lessons and supervised practice. At the same time, Oklahoma imposes stricter DUI laws, increasing penalties and accountability for risky motorists.
Together, these seven rules highlight a nationwide strategy hands-free driving, automated enforcement, tougher penalties; all design to modernize road safety, protect communities, and prevent unnecessary crashes and tragedies.
Quick View On Seven New Traffic Laws Sept 2025
| Key Change | State / Locale | What It Does | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free “touch” law | SC, PA, LA, IA, etc. | Bans holding phone while driving | $100–$250 fines, with repeat penalties |
| Speed cameras (Broad Street) | Philadelphia, PA | Cameras catch excess speed (>11 mph) | $100 fines begin after warning period |
| School-zone speed cameras | Miami-Dade, FL | Monitors drivers near schools | $100 fines during start/end of school times |
| Driver’s Ed for under-21 | Ohio | Mandates supervised driving and lessons | Structured training + hours required |
| AI school bus cameras | Connecticut | Catches drivers bypassing stopped buses | $250 fines post grace period |
| DUI law overhaul | Oklahoma | Raised auto penalties, more severe charges | Felony risks, stricter bartender rules |
Seven Laws Every Driver Should Know
Here’s a closer look at the seven major rules rolling out this September:
1. South Carolina’s “Touch Law”
- Rule – Drivers cannot hold a phone while driving.
- Exceptions – GPS navigation (if set before moving), emergency calls, voice commands, and first responders on duty.
- Penalty – $100 fine for first offense; $200 plus two points for repeat offenses.
This is meant to curb distracted driving, particularly among younger generations who rely heavily on mobile devices.
2. Hands-Free Expansion in Other States
- Where – Iowa, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and others.
- Rule – Similar “no-touch” requirements, often including stricter bans in school or construction zones.
- Penalty – Some states apply fines as high as $250 depending on the area and severity of violation.
These states are adopting uniform measures to ensure consistency and improve enforcement.
3. Philadelphia’s Speed Cameras (Broad Street)
- Rule – Automated cameras are being activated to monitor drivers exceeding the speed limit by 11 mph or more.
- Start – Mid-September after a 60-day warning period.
- Penalty – Flat $100 ticket mailed to the driver.
This initiative aims to address repeat speeding issues in busy urban corridors where pedestrian traffic is heavy.
4. Miami-Dade School-Zone Cameras
- Rule – Speed cameras installed outside schools will ticket drivers going 10+ mph over the limit.
- Times Active – Typically during arrival and dismissal hours.
- Penalty – $100 per violation.
This law protects children, who are among the most vulnerable road users.
5. Ohio’s New Driver Education for Under-21 Adults
- Rule – Anyone under 21 years old applying for a license must complete structured education.
- Requirements –
- 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night).
- Classroom instruction plus time with a licensed instructor.
The measure addresses concerns about inexperience contributing to crashes among young drivers.
6. Connecticut’s AI Bus Camera Enforcement
- Rule – Advanced cameras installed on school buses record vehicles illegally passing when buses are stopped with signs extended.
- Grace Period – Ends September 29, 2025.
- Penalty – Minimum $250 fine issued by mail.
This system provides automated enforcement, reducing the reliance on human witnesses.
7. Oklahoma’s Tougher DUI Laws
- Rule – Drivers caught with a mix of speeding, alcohol, or transporting children while impaired face elevated penalties.
- Consequences –
- Some cases upgraded to felonies.
- License suspensions for repeat offenders.
- Mandatory bartender training to limit over-serving alcohol.
This package is among the strictest DUI reforms in recent years, aiming to cut down alcohol-related crashes.
Why These Changes Are Happening?
Lawmakers argue these laws are not just about collecting fines, but about saving lives. The main motivations include:
- Combatting Distracted Driving
- The “touch law” directly targets behaviors proven to increase crash risk.
- Protecting Children
- From school-zone speed traps to bus-passing cameras, the laws focus heavily on child safety.
- Improving Driver Readiness
- Ohio’s training rules reduce the risk of inexperienced drivers behind the wheel.
- Tougher Stance on Impaired Driving
- Oklahoma’s DUI changes reflect a zero-tolerance approach to reckless driving.
US State Wise 7 Law September 2025 Update
| State / Area | New Rule / Change | Penalty / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | No phone in hand while driving (“touch law”) | $100 first offense; $200 + 2 points repeat |
| PA, LA, IA & others | Hands-free rules expanded | Up to $250 fines in sensitive zones |
| Philadelphia (Broad St.) | Speed cameras at 11+ mph over limit | $100 ticket mailed |
| Miami-Dade, FL | School-zone cameras monitor speeding | $100 during active school hours |
| Ohio (under-21 drivers) | Mandatory driver’s ed + 50 hours supervised driving | Education + parental involvement |
| Connecticut | AI bus cameras ticket cars passing stopped buses | $250 fine (after grace period) |
| Oklahoma | DUI law overhaul, stricter charges & penalties | Felonies, suspensions, bartender rules |
What This Means For Everyday Drivers?
- Plan For Hands-Free Only
- If you rely on your phone for GPS or music, invest in a proper mount or Bluetooth setup.
- Expect More Cameras
- Automated enforcement is rising, meaning less chance of “warning only.”
- Parents Take Note
- Teen and young adult drivers in Ohio face tougher licensing paths plan early for training.
- Stricter Accountability
- DUI penalties in Oklahoma and beyond are becoming harsher drinking and driving is no longer just “risky,” it could ruin your record permanently.
These September changes are part of a nationwide wave to modernize driving laws, improve enforcement through technology, and reduce distracted and impaired driving fatalities.
