Seven new driving laws are going into effect across the U.S., bringing steep fines, stricter licensing rules, and even potential jail time for violators.
These laws, introduced between September and November 2025, aim to curb speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior, and unsafe conditions for children and motorcyclists.
Some rules impose $100+ fines, while others carry license suspensions or felony charges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each law and who will be impacted first.
Full List of the Seven New Driving Laws
| Law & Location | Effective Date | Key Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Vision Zero Speed Cameras (Philadelphia, PA) | September 15, 2025 | $100 fines for going 11+ mph over limit (after 60-day grace) |
| School Zone Speed Cameras (Miami-Dade, FL) | September 2025 | $100 fines for 10+ mph over limit during school times |
| Hands-Free Device Ban (South Carolina) | September 1, 2025 | $100 first offense, $200 second; initial 6-month warning period |
| New Driver Training Rule (Ohio) | September 30, 2025 | 50 supervised hours + 32 training hours, ~$400 cost |
| Motorcycle Right-of-Way Law (Oklahoma) | November 1, 2025 | Fines, safety course, and 90-day license suspension |
| AI Bus Stop Cameras (Shelton, Connecticut) | September 29, 2025 | $250+ fines for passing stopped school buses |
| Marissa Murrow Act – DUI Crackdown (Oklahoma) | November 1, 2025 | Felony charges, bartender licensing, tougher DUI penalties |
1. Vision Zero Speed Cameras in Philadelphia
Starting September 15, 2025, speed cameras are going live on Broad Street in Philadelphia — one of the city’s most dangerous roads.
Drivers going 11 mph over the limit will receive $100 fines after a 60-day grace period. This is part of Vision Zero, a program that has already reduced crashes and fatalities on Roosevelt Boulevard.
2. School Zone Speed Cameras in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County, Florida has activated speed cameras in school zones to protect children.
Drivers going 10+ mph over the speed limit during the 30 minutes before and after school starts or ends will face $100 fines immediately.
3. Hands-Free Device Ban in South Carolina
South Carolina’s new hands-free driving law began on September 1, 2025.
Drivers cannot hold or touch their phone while driving, except in emergencies.
- First 6 months: Warnings only
- After that: $100 first offense and $200 second offense
South Carolina became the 32nd state to adopt a full hands-free rule, aiming to combat distracted driving.
4. Stricter Training Rules for Young Drivers in Ohio
Starting September 30, 2025, Ohio now requires new drivers under 21 to complete extensive training before getting licensed.
Requirements include:
- 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night)
- 8 hours with a certified instructor
- 24 hours classroom instruction
- Costs up to $400
This aims to make young drivers safer and more experienced.
5. Motorcycle Right-of-Way Law in Oklahoma
From November 1, 2025, Oklahoma drivers who fail to yield to motorcycles and cause injury or death will face:
- Fines
- Mandatory driving lessons
- 90-day license suspension
Fine proceeds will fund the Motorcycle Safety and Education Program, improving safety statewide.
6. AI Cameras for Reckless Bus Drivers in Connecticut
AI-powered cameras on school buses in Shelton, Connecticut will begin issuing $250+ fines from September 29, 2025, for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
These cameras provide video proof of violations, improving child safety and holding reckless drivers accountable.
7. DUI Crackdown – Marissa Murrow Act in Oklahoma
Effective November 1, 2025, the Marissa Murrow Act makes it a felony to drive drunk while speeding, causing an accident, or transporting alcohol for a minor.
It also requires bartenders to undergo stricter training and licensing.
This law honors Marissa Murrow, a 19-year-old DUI victim, and seeks to hold both drunk drivers and overserving establishments accountable.
With $100+ fines, license suspensions, mandatory training, and even felony charges, these seven new U.S. driving laws are reshaping road safety standards.
Philadelphia, Miami-Dade, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Connecticut are among the first to implement these rules, and other states may follow soon.
Drivers should learn these laws now to avoid penalties and help make roads safer for everyone.
FAQs
When do the new driving laws start?
They roll out between September 1 and November 1, 2025, depending on the state.
What is the highest penalty among these laws?
Oklahoma’s Marissa Murrow Act brings felony DUI charges, the strictest penalty on this list.
Which law affects the youngest drivers?
Ohio’s rule for drivers under 21 now requires 50 supervised hours and costly driver education.
