Washington State's New "E-DUI" Distracted Driving Law

The State of Washington has had enough of distracted driving.

Under a new law that takes effect today, using a hand-held electronic device of any kind while operating a motor vehicle is a primary driving offense, meaning that the police may stop you for that offense alone. The law goes beyond prohibiting texting or talking on a handheld phone; it prohibits checking Facebook, reading texts and e-mails, and even just holding an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, even while stopped at a stoplight. Violators will be issued a distracted-driving citation and fined $136 for the first offense. The violation will go on the driver's record and their insurance company will be notified, which might cause their insurance rates to go up. A second offense will lead to a larger fine.

Drivers can still talk on their hands-free phone, and they can use a hand-held phone to contact emergency services. And they are still allowed to employ the "minimal use of a finger" to change an electronic device's function (preferably to turn it OFF).

The new law makes all forms of distracted driving secondary offenses, meaning that motorists who are stopped for a primary offense (such as running a red light) can be fined another $99 for "any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle". That might include reading a book or newspaper, eating, drinking, applying makeup, or reaching for something on the floor while driving.

So what are you supposed to do while driving? Concentrate. On driving.