Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

TALK TO AN EXPERT

MENU

PRACTICE AREAS

New Additions Made to Oregon’s Distracted Driving Law

Portland auto accident attorney A new law in Oregon, House Bill 2597, went into effect last October. This new law closes a loophole present in the state’s previous attempt at a distracted driving law, which was enacted in 2009. That law prohibited drivers from calling and texting with mobile devices, but only those functions according to a court decision.

A loophole in the existing law allowed drivers to play games or program a navigation app with no legal repercussions. This loophole is now closed and the law better defines how a driver can interact with their smartphones and other devices.

What constitutes distracted driving in Oregon?

Drivers are not strictly prohibited from using their devices behind the wheel; however, any use is restricted to a single swipe. This limitation allows drivers to close apps or change a song. Hands-free devices are also allowed, as are ham radios for licensed amateur operators over the age of 18.

Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any devices, hands-free or otherwise. Drivers should always have their hands on the wheel and their eyes averted for a minimal amount of time. If drivers need to perform more complex tasks that require significant attention, they are now expected to park safely before doing so. The car does not need to be off, but sitting at a red light does not count and use of a device is prohibited.

The exception to this rule is to dial 911, as drivers are allowed to call emergency services if no one else in the car is able to do so.

Violations of the law

Under the previous iteration of the law, drivers were fined $160 for each violation with no escalation for recurring offenses. This means that there was little incentive for some drivers to learn from their mistakes if they felt they could afford the fine. These drivers may now think twice under the new law, which includes escalating penalties and a harsher penalty for the first infraction.

Under the new law, first-time offenders will be fined $260, which rises to $435 if the distraction results in an accident. The fine can be waived if the driver agrees to take a distracted driving course, but the violation will remain on their record. The second offense is also a fine of $435 and the third within ten years will result in a misdemeanor charge. The misdemeanor can result in up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

If you or someone you know was the victim of an accident caused by distracted driving, it’s best to seek the legal advocacy of an experienced auto accident attorney. Consult with Zbinden & Curtis, Attorneys At Law today and find out what we can do for you.

Latest Posts

Archives

Free Injury Case Evaluation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Practice Areas

The Most Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents in Portland

Explore the physical and emotional toll of slip and fall accidents in Portland, Oregon. Understand the legal responsibilities of property owners and how Zbinden...

Premises Liability vs. Slip and Fall Accidents

Distinguish between premises liability and slip and fall accidents with Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law. Explore how these personal injury claims are processed...

The Difference Between Premises Liability And Negligence

Delve into the legal concepts of negligence and premises liability in Portland, Oregon, and discover how they apply to personal injury cases. Find out...

Premises Liability: The Legal Aspects of Injuries at Public Events

Learn about premises liability at public events and festivals. For expert legal support in Portland, consult Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law....

Premises Liability: Who Is Responsible?

Learn the specifics of premises liability cases in Oregon, including how a property owner's duty of care and negligence can affect your compensation. Zbinden...

Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Motorists

Dealing with a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver adds complexity to an already stressful situation. Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law...