Your Phone Behind The Wheel
RCW 46.61.672 — no holding it, including stopped in traffic, and double the second time
In Washington, using a personal electronic device while driving on a public highway is a traffic infraction. Using it includes holding it in either hand, using a hand or finger to compose, send, read or browse messages, photos or other data beyond a minimal touch to start or stop a function, and watching video.
Driving includes being stopped at a light or in traffic. Driving includes being temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device or other momentary delays, but not being pulled off the active roadway and stopped. A second or later offense carries two times the penalty.
The rule does not apply to contacting emergency services or to a driver of an authorized emergency vehicle.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 46.61.672 — Using a personal electronic device while driving
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.