Drivers often steer with one hand whether adjusting the air conditioning, sipping a drink, or simply because it feels more comfortable. But many people still wonder is it against the law to drive with one hand?
Driving with one hand is not illegal in itself, but it can become illegal if it affects your control of the vehicle or contributes to unsafe driving. U.S. driving laws focus on safety and control, not the number of hands on the wheel.
Understanding how these rules work can help drivers avoid tickets, accidents and liability issues.
Driving With One Hand: Not Automatically Illegal
No U.S. state has a law stating you must drive with two hands on the steering wheel at all times. Police officers generally do not stop drivers solely because they are steering with one hand.
People commonly drive one-handed when:
- Turning the wheel during normal driving
- Using their other hand for essential actions
- Relaxing on straight roads
- Driving vehicles with power steering
Modern cars are designed to be operated safely with minimal steering effort, making one-handed steering reasonably common and not inherently dangerous.
Where the Law Does Apply: Control and Attention
While the number of hands on the wheel is not regulated, the quality of driving is. Every state requires drivers to maintain “proper control” of their vehicle, and this is where one-handed driving can become a legal problem.
A driver may be cited if one-handed steering leads to:
- Swerving
- Drifting out of a lane
- Delayed reaction time
- Failure to avoid hazards
- Distracted driving
In these situations, police can issue citations such as:
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Failure to maintain control
- Distracted driving violations
These are judgment-based offenses, meaning the officer decides whether the behavior was unsafe.
Distracted Driving Laws Matter
Although one-handed driving is not illegal, what the other hand is doing may be.
In 2025, all 50 states and D.C. enforce some form of distracted driving law. If your free hand is holding something that interferes with safe driving—like food, a mobile phone, makeup, or a pet—you can be pulled over.
Examples of illegal or risky behaviors include:
- Holding a cellphone
- Eating large or messy foods
- Holding a drink while turning
- Managing pets
- Reaching for objects
Any action that prevents full attention or reduces control could result in a ticket.
Driving With One Hand Due to a Disability
Drivers with certain physical limitations or disabilities may legally operate a vehicle with one hand using:
- Steering knobs
- Adaptive equipment
- Modified steering mechanisms
These modifications are permitted as long as the driver’s license is valid and the vehicle meets state safety requirements.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Even if one-handed driving isn’t illegal, it can influence fault in an accident.
If you crash while steering one-handed and insurers believe you failed to maintain proper control, you may be held:
- Primarily liable
- Partially liable (under comparative negligence laws)
- Not covered for certain damages
Insurers examine the circumstances, and unsafe one-handed driving may count as negligence.
Commercial Drivers: Stricter Expectations
Commercial drivers such as truckers, bus drivers, and delivery drivers—are held to higher safety standards.
While still not illegal, they are often expected to maintain two-handed control except briefly when shifting gears or operating approved equipment.
Some companies have internal rules requiring two-handed driving, even if state law does not.
Final Answer: Is It Illegal to Drive With One Hand?
No, driving with one hand is not against the law in 2025.
However, it can become illegal if it compromises vehicle control, contributes to unsafe driving, or violates distracted driving laws.
The safest and legally recommended practice is to keep both hands available and maintain full control of the vehicle—especially in heavy traffic, poor weather, or complex driving conditions.
