Distracted Driving

You may not hold any electronic device while driving, phones, tablets or game devices, and that includes waiting at a red light. Hands-free and a single touch are allowed. The first fine is heavy, a repeat doubles it and your insurer is told. Eating, grooming and similar distractions add a fine when paired with a violation. Teens on an intermediate license may not use hands-free either.

Distraction comes from inside the car, outside it, your body and your mind. Set navigation and music before leaving, and silence the phone out of reach.

Example: stuck at a red light, you pick up your phone to answer a message. The car is not moving, but in Washington that is still a violation.