Is it illegal in Utah to invoke Siri even? Does that count as activating the phone?
The new law bans us from using a device to send texts, emails or instant messages. You cannot use your fingers to dial phone numbers, access the Web, take or view pictures or video, or enter data into your mobile device.
You can, however, still dial your phone with your hands during a medical emergency, reporting a safety hazard, or reporting criminal activity. On the job law enforcement and emergency personnel are also allowed to use their hands. We can use mobile devices to view GPS and other mapping programs if we did not "dial up" the address whilst driving. We can also still talk with phones up against our faces, but have to use voice commands to dial numbers.
We are allowed to use devices using voice-operated technology, and other systems that are physically or electronically integrated into the car, such as Bluetooth. We are also allowed to answer the phone if someone calls us (which, in my opinion, will end up with a lot of arguments with law enforcement officials about who dialed whom).
Overall, I think the new law is a good idea, as it removes some tech-driven driving distractions. Last year, we had 11 deaths contributed to texting whilst driving.