Don't Drive Intexticated
Just like drinking and driving, using a cell phone or other personal electronic device while behind the wheel is dangerous. The consequences are the same: deaths and injuries on our roadways. In Washington, it is against the law to hold a cell phone or other device while driving. AAA thanks the 82% of Washington drivers who say they follow the law. We ask you to join them and reduce the number of these preventable tragedies by putting down your phone – because lives depend on it.
“Speak Up!” for Safety
A 2021 AAA Washington survey revealed how children play a key role in reducing ALL driver interactions with cell phones/devices. The survey of 1,000 Washington drivers — ages 16 and older — asked drivers to select the top two situations most likely to influence them against using these devices while driving.
- 51% chose “Children asking you to stop because they don’t feel safe”
- 49% selected “A passenger asking you to stop because they don’t feel safe”
These findings have AAA calling on children and all passengers to “Speak Up!” for safety.
Partner with AAA to Save Lives
Help spread awareness of the dangers of distracted driving by taking the pledge to put down your phone while driving.
Tell your family and friends why you #DontDriveIntexticated by creating a personalized pledge card that you can download and share on social media.
Take and share your digital pledge.
Distracted driving kills an average of 9 people and injures over 1,000 every day in America.*
Washington State’s Distracted Driving Law
When it comes to distracted driving, Washington State has one of the most restrictive laws in the nation. On July 23, 2017, Washington banned drivers from using all handheld personal devices while behind the wheel, even when they stop at a traffic sign/signal or are stuck in slow-moving traffic.
It is Against the Law to:
- Hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand
- Use your fingers to type, send, read, view, access, web browse, transmit, save or retrieve email, text messages, instant messages, photos or other data
- Watch a video
Exceptions
- To contact emergency services
- You can use a single finger-swipe or button push to activate, deactivate or initiate a function
- When your vehicle is off the road, in park
What is legal
- Hands-free use of personal electronic devices is legal, however, using your device hands-free is no safer than using it hand-held.**
Penalties
- First ticket = $136 fine AND the ticket is reported to your insurance company
- Second ticket within five years = Fine doubles
Dangerously Distracted
- Fine of $99
- Secondary offense – handed out when you are pulled over for committing a traffic violation, such as crossing the centerline or following too close, while you were distracted by any non-driving activity.
- Examples include eating, spilling your coffee, holding a pet on your lap, putting on makeup, shaving.