Beginning July 23, it will be against the law for Washington drivers to use hand-held cell phones while they are driving. This includes all electronic devices, even tablets, laptops and video games. Tickets for driving while using hand-held electronics will go on a driver’s record and be reported to insurance providers.
City vehicles and employees will be following the new regulations and the city of Mercer Island encourages all residents to learn the new law. Patrols will be in effect.
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
A Driving Under the Influence of Electronics ticket (E-DUI) costs $136 for the first offense, and $234 for a second offense within five years.
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.
Learn more at wadrivetozero.com.
