Gavin Howe
Oregon's distracted driving law restricts the use of mobile electronic devices while driving. The law applies to all electronic devices, including cell phones, GPS devices, tablets, and smartwatches. Drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile electronic device in their hand or using it for any purpose while driving. This includes texting, browsing social media, or playing games. However, drivers are permitted to use voice text or speakerphone functions as long as they do not hold the device. Additionally, drivers are allowed to use a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device. To comply with the law, drivers should enter their destination address before starting their trip and pull over to type a new address if needed. The law aims to reduce distractions and increase safety on the road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law | ORS 811.507 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Age | Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using mobile communication devices |
| Hands-free | Allowed |
| Hands-held | Prohibited |
| Fines | $110 minimum fine for violating the law |
| Emergency | Use of a cell phone without a hands-free accessory is allowed to summon medical or other emergency help |
| Exceptions | Operating an ambulance, emergency vehicle, roadside assistance or tow vehicle, utility vehicle, or vehicle for farming or agricultural operations |
| Navigation | Allowed if the destination address is set before the trip |
| Single touch or swipe | Allowed to activate or deactivate the device |
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What You'll Learn
Oregon's distracted driving cellphone law
The law restricts drivers to using their cell phones only in the following situations:
- To summon medical or emergency help if no other person in the vehicle can do so.
- When operating an ambulance, emergency vehicle, roadside assistance or tow vehicle, or a utility vehicle while servicing a utility.
- When operating a vehicle for farming or agricultural operations.
In all other cases, drivers are required to use a hands-free accessory when using a cell phone. This means that the device must be mounted on the window, dashboard, console, or in a cup holder, and can only be touched with a single tap or swipe to activate or deactivate it.
The law also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any mobile communications devices, whether hands-free or not, except in emergencies. Violating this law is a primary offense, and offenders face a minimum fine of $110.
It is important to note that the use of voice text or speakerphones is allowed as long as the driver is not holding the phone. Additionally, drivers can still listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and streaming apps on their phones or devices, as long as they keep their interactions hands-free.
Oregon's distracted driving law aims to increase safety by reducing distractions and improving driver focus on the road.
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Hands-free accessories
In Oregon, House Bill 3186 (ORS 811.507) went into effect on January 1, 2012, modifying the state's law against using handheld communication devices while driving. The law restricts the use of handheld devices to the following situations:
- Summoning medical or emergency help when no other person in the vehicle can do so.
- Operating an ambulance, emergency vehicle, roadside assistance or tow vehicle, or a utility vehicle while servicing a utility.
- Operating a vehicle for farming or agricultural operations.
In all other cases, drivers are required to use a hands-free accessory when using a cell phone. This means an attachment, built-in feature, or addition to a mobile communication device that allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel. For example, a Bluetooth device.
Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using all mobile communication devices, whether hands-free or not, except in emergencies. Violating this law is a primary offense, with a minimum fine of $110.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office encourages all motorists to purchase and use hands-free accessories while driving and talking on their cell phones. However, if a driver is still distracted while using a hands-free accessory, they are advised to refrain from using their cell phone altogether.
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Minors using navigation instructions
In Oregon, it is illegal for a minor to use a mobile electronic device for any purpose while driving. This includes using a phone for navigation instructions, even if the device is mounted on a dashboard. The relevant law, ORS 811.507, states that it is illegal to " [use] a mobile electronic device for any purpose" while driving.
The law defines a "mobile electronic device" as "an electronic device that is not permanently installed in a motor vehicle". This means that a minor would be in violation of the law if they used a phone for navigation, even if it was mounted on a dashboard or in a hands-free mode.
However, there is some ambiguity in the law regarding the use of navigation instructions. Some sources suggest that merely listening to a device that was already configured does not constitute "using" it. In this interpretation, a minor could set up navigation instructions on their phone before starting to drive and listen to the instructions while driving, without interacting with the device.
It is important to note that the goal of Oregon's cell phone use laws is to limit distractions and increase safety on the road. While there may be ways to interpret the law to allow for minor's use of navigation instructions, it is essential to prioritise safety and use one's best judgement when deciding whether to use a phone for navigation while driving.
In conclusion, while there may be some legal ambiguity, minors in Oregon should generally refrain from using their phones for navigation instructions while driving. It is recommended to use a paper map or rely on memorised directions to reach a destination safely and in compliance with the intent of Oregon's cell phone use laws.
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Cellphone use and distracted driving-related crashes
Oregon's distracted driving law, also known as the cell phone law, prohibits the use of handheld communication devices while driving. This includes cell phones, tablets, GPS devices, and laptops. The law allows the use of hands-free or built-in devices for individuals 18 years of age or older.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes using electronic devices, adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, reading, grooming, and interacting with passengers. Distracted driving increases the risk of crashes, with texting or manipulating a phone being consistently linked to an increased risk.
In Oregon, from 2016 to 2020, there were 15,538 crashes, 186 fatalities, and 24,126 injuries caused by distracted drivers. During the same period, there were 127 crashes involving a driver aged 16-18 who was using a cell phone, resulting in 179 injuries. These statistics highlight the dangers of distracted driving and the impact it can have on road safety.
To address this issue, Oregon's cell phone law aims to reduce distractions and increase safety by limiting the use of handheld devices while driving. The law allows for exceptions, such as using a cell phone without a hands-free accessory in emergencies or when operating an ambulance, emergency vehicle, or agricultural equipment.
By enforcing this law, Oregon has seen a significant decrease in rear-end crash rates, indicating the effectiveness of comprehensive bans on electronic device use while driving. The law also imposes fines for violations, with a maximum fine of $1,000 for a first offense and up to $2,500 and potential jail time for subsequent offenses within a ten-year period.
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Exceptions to the law
Oregon's laws on using a cell phone while driving are quite strict. The state defines "driving" as including "being temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays." However, there are some exceptions to these laws.
First, Oregon law allows drivers to use their phones for calls and GPS if they have a hands-free accessory or mode that allows them to keep both hands on the wheel. This exception does not apply to minors, and drivers under 18 may not use cell phones at all. Additionally, the hands-free accessory exception only applies if the action requires minimal use of a finger, such as a single swipe or tap to activate or deactivate a function.
Another exception is for emergency situations. Drivers may use their cell phones without a hands-free accessory to summon medical or other emergency help if no other person in the vehicle is capable of summoning help. This includes operating an ambulance or emergency vehicle, roadside assistance or tow vehicle, or a utility vehicle while servicing a utility.
In certain geographical areas, there are also exceptions to the law. Oregon Senate Bill HB 2507 seeks to allow the use of mobile communication devices while operating a motor vehicle in "frontier counties," defined as those with a population density of fewer than six people per square mile.
It's important to note that even with these exceptions, the primary goal of Oregon's cell phone laws is to limit distractions and increase safety on the road. As such, drivers are encouraged to refrain from using their cell phones, even with hands-free accessories, if they find themselves distracted while driving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your cell phone for GPS navigation in Oregon, but only if you use a hands-free accessory. You must enter your destination address before starting your trip, and you can only touch or swipe your phone once to activate or deactivate the device.
Violating Oregon's cell phone law is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop a driver solely for using a mobile device without a hands-free accessory. Those in violation face a minimum fine of $110 for the first offense, with a maximum fine of $1,000.
Yes, there are some exceptions to the law. You may use your cell phone without a hands-free accessory to summon emergency help if no one else in the vehicle can do so. Additionally, certain vehicle operators, such as those in ambulances, emergency vehicles, or agricultural vehicles, are exempt from the hands-free requirement.
