Can you text, use your phone at a red light in Washington state? Here’s what the law says
At least nine people are killed every day in car crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Distracted driving can be anything from eating while driving to sending a text message. What happens if you get caught using your cell phone while you’re stopped at a red light?
Here’s what the law in Washington state says about using your cell phone while operating a running vehicle:
Washington law on texting at a red light
Washington’s laws on texting and driving are outlined in Title 46, Chapter 61 of the Revised Codes of Washington. The chapter states that aside from law enforcement officers and first responders reacting to an emergency, no one is allowed to use a mobile device at any time while driving or stopped in traffic unless contacting emergency services.
This does not apply to the manufacturer-installed systems in the vehicle, such as global positioning systems and touch-screen radios.
A driver can use a mobile phone or electronic device for texting, calling or navigation only if these three conditions are satisfied:
The telephone or device is hands-free, such as mounted on a vehicle’s windshield like a GPS.
The driver deactivates or activates a feature or function on their device by voice command or with minimal hand interaction.
The device is used by an employee of a commercial motor vehicle driver, such as a semi-trailer, and the device assists with their job.
Does this apply to a driver stopped at a red light?
Even if the car is at a complete standstill at a red light or stop sign, the answer is still yes.
Though the car may not be moving when at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle is still being “operated.” The law states that a cell phone or electronic device can be used only if not in the driver’s hand while the car is in motion.
Washington code states that a car is defined as not being “operated” only when the car is safely and legally parked and remains stationary.
What if you get caught texting at a red light?
If you are pulled over for using your cell phone while driving, the Washington code states that the following will happen:
A first time offense will result in a $136 fine
Each subsequent violation within a five-year period will result in a fine of $234
This story was originally published June 20, 2023 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Can you text, use your phone at a red light in Washington state? Here’s what the law says."
