Oregon's new Distracted Driving Law takes effect October 1, 2017

On October 1st, 2017, legislation by the State of Oregon aimed at curbing distracted driving will take effect and prohibit certain uses of mobile electronic devices while driving a motor vehicle. The goal is to keep a driver’s head up and hands on the wheel.

Driving means operating a motor vehicle on a highway or premise open to the public including while temporarily stationary due to traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delay. 

Mobile electronic devices are any devices not permanently installed in a motor vehicle and are capable of but not limited to activities such as voice communication, texting, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, and producing email.

Drivers 18 years of age or older may use their devices  when coupled with a hands-free accessory or permanently installed hands-free accessory in their vehicle.

The first offense carries a base fine of $260. Additional convictions may result in increased penalties.

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