Violations are now reported to your insurance company.

Washington state has defined its Distracted Driving law that just took effect on July 23, 2017. These changes include:

No Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving

• Even when stopped in traffic or at a traffic light
• No typing messages or accessing information
• No watching videos or using cameras

You CAN Use Your Device If You Are:

• Hands-free (such as using Bluetooth) and can start use by a single touch or swipe without holding the phone
• Parked or out-of-the-flow of traffic
• Starting your GPS or music before you drive
• Contacting emergency services

Electronics DUI (E-DUI) Ticket Cost

A Driving Under the Influence of Electronics ticket, an E-DUI, is the type of ticket drivers will receive if pulled over for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. The cost for receiving an E-DUI increases with each infraction. All violations will be available to your insurance company.

• First E-DUI – $136
• Second E-DUI (within 5 years) – $234

Not Included in the Law

• Transit and emergency vehicle drivers are exempt. Drivers of commercial vehicles must follow federal laws.
• Two-way radio, citizens band radio, or amateur radio equipment are not included in the law.

Dangerously Distracted
You can also get a $99 ticket for other types of distractions such as grooming, smoking, eating, or reading if the activity interferes with safe driving, and you are pulled over for another traffic offense.

Why?

• Fatalities from distracted driving increased 32 percent from 2014 to 2015 in Washington.
• 71 percent of distracted drivers engage in the most dangerous distraction, cell phone use behind the wheel
• One out of four crashes involves cell phone use just prior to the crash.
• Can’t resist?  Pass your phone to the passenger, put it in the glove box, or turn it off before you drive.

Source: Washington Target Zero website