“I solely took my eyes off the highway for a second.”

However a second is all it takes to get right into a automotive crash. 

From 2017 to 2019, 24% of all deadly automotive accidents in Washington concerned distracted driving. 

That’s 367 lethal crashes.

After all, not all collisions brought on by distracted driving lead to a fatality…

However you continue to don’t get off scot-free…

That is true even when you don’t get into an accident. 

And that’s due to the distracted driving legal guidelines in place. 

Right this moment, we’ll discover all you must know concerning the Washington State distracted driving legal guidelines. 

So let’s start!

Washington State Cell Cellphone Regulation

Nearly everybody has a cell phone.

Sadly, it’s the most typical distraction for drivers. 

Because of this, in Washington, you aren’t allowed to make use of any cell phone or wi-fi communication machine when behind the wheel. 

Which means NO answering calls, sending messages, scrolling social media, taking footage or movies…

And this regulation is major enforcement. 

Which means a regulation officer will pull you over in case you are noticed utilizing your cellphone whereas driving… even in a pink gentle.  

Washington State Cell Cellphone Regulation Exceptions

You may discover the regulation unusually harsh, so right here’s some silver lining.

Utilizing your cellphone is potential if any of those conditions apply to you:

• You’re utilizing your cellphone in hands-free mode. Nonetheless, this doesn’t apply when you’re below 18 and have an instruction allow or intermediate license. 

• You solely want to make use of a single contact or swipe of your finger to activate an app or reply a name (after which change to hands-free mode).

• You’re parked otherwise you’ve pulled over in a protected place. 

• You’re calling for emergency companies or medical assist.

• You’re reporting criminal activity.

Different Major Distracted Driving Legal guidelines in Washington

Sure, cell telephones are the largest distractions. 

However there are different distracted driving legal guidelines in Washington. 

Let’s element them right here…

Utilizing Private Digital Units

Should you assume cell telephones are the one devices you’ll be able to’t use — guess once more!

Keep in mind, Washington State prohibits drivers from utilizing ANY private digital machine whereas driving. 

Apart from cell phones, it additionally applies to a laptop computer, a pill, and two-way communication units (walkie-talkies or CB radios). 

You possibly can’t play moveable video games, both.

All of the exceptions for cellphone use apply to those units, plus the next:

• You employ the machine to keep away from inflicting harm to an individual or harm to property.
• You’re working a certified emergency automobile.
• You’re a transit or for-hire operator and are utilizing the machine to speak along with your dispatcher (the machine have to be completely connected to your automobile).
• It’s a navigational system (like a GPS) that doesn’t require your palms.

Video Broadcast Reception

You can not set up gear that enables your automobile to obtain tv broadcasts that may be seen by the motive force. 

This can solely tempt them to show their consideration to no matter is on the display screen as a substitute of the highway. 

That mentioned, you’ll be able to set up this for the backseat passengers. 

Headphone or Earphone Use

You employ a number of senses when driving — not simply your eyes.

Washington State prohibits utilizing earphones or headphones as a result of it prevents you from listening to sounds out of your atmosphere.

You could miss out on sirens or emergency horns, stopping you from responding accordingly.

Nonetheless, this regulation doesn’t apply to bike drivers who put on headgear outfitted with headphones or earphones.

Secondary Distracted Driving Legal guidelines

Okay, let’s be clear… 

A LOT of issues can result in distracted driving.

Placing on make-up…

Consuming…

Having a heated argument…

Attempting to calm down rowdy youngsters or pets…

Fiddling along with your automobile’s controls…

The listing can go on.

Now, these aren’t precisely unlawful. 

However it’s secondary regulation. 

Which means that you’ll solely get ticketed for distracted driving if the distraction led to an accident. 

That’s the one time you will get caught. 

So even when it isn’t a major regulation, you must nonetheless keep away from it in any respect prices as a result of it could possibly result in an accident — which might result in accidents or, if not, a minimum of a ticket. 

Distracted Driving Penalties in Washington

The advantageous for distracted driving is excessive — a minimum of $124. 

Sure, it applies in your first offense.

Anticipate the quantity to be larger in case your driving habits results in a collision. 

Should you’re a repeat offender, you’ll have to pay double.

FAQs About Washington State Distracted Driving Legal guidelines

Listed here are some generally requested questions on distracted driving in Washington.

Can You Eat and Drive in Washington?

Sure, you’ll be able to eat whereas driving in Washington. However it’s extremely really helpful that you simply keep away from doing so. 

If that results in an accident, then you’ll put your self and others in peril…

Plus, you’ll be fined for the accident in addition to for distracted driving. 

To be protected, wait till you get dwelling to dig in. Or, in case your abdomen’s already growling earlier than you get within the automotive, consuming earlier than driving is the higher choice.

Does Washington State Do Sufficient to Stop Distracted Driving?

The implementation of Washington State’s legal guidelines on distracted driving solely started in 2017…

And the outcomes have been favorable.

The Washington Visitors Security Fee discovered that deaths from distracted driving decreased by 40% from 2017 to 2020. It went from 155 to 93.

Washington can also be one of many few states with distracted driving legal guidelines overlaying greater than cellphone use. 

Can You Be on Your Cellphone at a Crimson Gentle in Washington State?

You can not use your cellphone whereas ready for the pink gentle to show inexperienced. The one exception is when you’re in an emergency or utilizing hands-free mode. 

Can You Contact Your Cellphone Whereas Driving in Washington State?

Sure, so long as the one factor you do is swipe it to activate a hands-free function. The identical applies to single-touch instructions.

Is it Unlawful to Drive with One Hand in WA?

Nothing in Washington’s legislature suggests you can not drive with just one hand on the steering wheel.

Nonetheless, it’s finest that you simply use each palms. This lets you have higher management of your automobile, thus stopping accidents.

The Wrap Up

And there you have got it — the whole lot you wanted to know concerning the Washington State distracted driving legal guidelines. 

Keep in mind, no message, make-up, or meal is price your security (and that of your passengers).

Focus your consideration on the highway relatively than trying to multi-task whereas behind the wheel. You possibly can take care of the remainder later.

Keep protected!