Hundreds of new laws are set to go into effect in Oklahoma this Saturday, including one aimed at distracted driving in school and construction zones.

Beginning Nov. 1, Oklahoma drivers will be prohibited from using handheld cell phones and other electronic communication devices in active school and work zones. Hands-free devices may still be used.

“This law is a practical step toward safer roads,” said the author of the bill, Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond. “It allows drivers to continue using hands-free technology while ensuring their focus stays on driving, especially in critical areas where workers and students are most at risk.”

Miller said the change is simple but has significant impact to safeguarding Oklahoma communities.

“Distracted driving is a lead contributor to collisions and preventable harm on our roads,” Miller said. “This law reinforces every driver’s responsibility to remain attentive and protect those around them.”

Violations carry the same penalties as the state’s texting-while-driving ban. The law also protects driver privacy by prohibiting law enforcement from accessing or downloading data from a phone without a warrant or probable cause.

Below is a look at other notable laws that go into effect Nov. 1, as reported by Keaton Ross of Oklahoma Watch.

Tougher DUI Penalties: Senate Bill 54 expands the definition of aggravated drunk driving, a felony offense, and mandates that firsttime offenders spend at least 10 days in jail, with options to serve nights or weekends. Second and subsequent offenders would face 30 or more days in jail. Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed this bill, citing concerns of unnecessary incarceration, but the Legislature overrode it.

Medical Marijuana Regulation: Multiple bills place new requirements on medical marijuana vendors. Senate Bill 518 requires sellers to place warning labels on products advising consumers not to drive under the influence. Under House Bill 2837, all employees of medical marijuana businesses will be required to complete annual compliance training. Click here for a comprehensive list.

Fines and Fees Reform: Oklahomans involved in the criminal justice system could face a reduced financial burden thanks to House Bill 1460. The bill eliminates several fine and fee assessments, including a $300 monthly fee for Department of Corrections inmates on GPS monitoring. A related measure, House Bill 1462, directs courts to prioritize restitution payments.

⬤ Driving

Expanded Mammogram Access: House Bill 1389 requires insurers to pay for contrast-enhanced mammograms and molecular breast imaging, which can aid in early detection of breast cancer. Stitt vetoed the bill, citing concerns that insurance premiums could go up, but lawmakers overrode the veto.