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Washington’s distracted driving law, known as E-DUI (driving under the influence of electronics), bans holding a phone or other personal electronic device while driving. That includes time stopped at a light or in traffic. A second offense costs double. A separate “dangerously distracted” infraction covers any other distraction. This guide explains what is and is not allowed under RCW 46.61.672 and 46.61.673, and the stricter rules for teens.
Key facts (Washington, as of November 2026)
- You may not hold a personal electronic device in either hand while driving, including at red lights and in stopped traffic.
- Second and later offenses: twice the penalty.
- Offense in a crash prevention zone: base penalty doubled.
- Dangerously distracted: $30 base penalty, secondary offense only.
- Permit and intermediate license holders: no wireless device use at all while driving, except emergencies.
What does the Washington E-DUI law ban?
Under RCW 46.61.672, while driving you may not:
- hold a personal electronic device in one or both hands;
- use your hand or finger to compose, send, read, view, browse, save or retrieve email, texts, instant messages, photos or other data;
- watch video on the device.
Allowed: minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or start a function of the device.
A “personal electronic device” includes a cell phone, tablet, laptop, two-way messaging device or electronic game. It does not include two-way radio, CB radio or amateur radio, or devices built mainly for hands-free use in a vehicle.
Does it apply at a red light?
Yes. “Driving” includes being temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or sign, or other short delays. It does not include being pulled over to the side of, or off, the active roadway in a place where you can safely stay stopped.
Exceptions
- Contacting emergency services.
- Transit employees using a dispatch relay system.
- Commercial drivers using a device within the scope of their job where federal rules allow it.
- Operators of authorized emergency vehicles.
The state law overrides any local city or county phone laws.
Fines and penalties
| Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First E-DUI offense | Traffic infraction; amount set by the Washington Supreme Court’s penalty schedule under RCW 46.63.110 |
| Second or later offense | Two times the penalty |
| Offense in a crash prevention zone | Base penalty doubled; cannot be waived, reduced or suspended |
| Dangerously distracted (RCW 46.61.673) | $30 base penalty, added on top of the ticket you were stopped for |
The dollar amount for a first E-DUI ticket is set by court rule rather than the statute, and total penalties include extra statutory assessments. Check the amount on the notice of infraction or with the court.
What is “dangerously distracted”?
Any activity not related to actually operating the vehicle, done in a way that interferes with safe driving. It is a secondary offense, so an officer can only add it after stopping you for another infraction. The money goes to a distracted driving prevention account.
Stricter rules for permit and intermediate drivers
If you hold an instruction permit (RCW 46.20.055) or an intermediate license (RCW 46.20.075), you may not use a wireless communications device while driving at all. The only exceptions are to report illegal activity, call for emergency help or prevent injury. Unlike passenger and night limits, police can enforce this rule on its own. A violation also counts toward the intermediate license warning and suspension steps (see intermediate license rules).
Practical setup before you drive
- Set navigation and music before moving.
- Mount the phone; never hold it, even at a stop.
- Turn on a driving focus or do-not-disturb mode.
- If you need to text, pull off the active roadway to a safe place first.
Common questions
Can I use my phone as GPS in Washington?
Adults can, if the phone is not held and you only tap minimally to start or stop a function. Permit and intermediate drivers may not use a wireless device while driving except in emergencies.
Is it legal to text at a red light in Washington?
No. Being stopped at a light or in traffic still counts as driving.
Can I call 911 while driving?
Yes. Contacting emergency services is exempt.
Is eating while driving illegal?
Not by itself. If it interferes with safe driving and you are stopped for another infraction, you can also be cited for driving dangerously distracted.
Do cities have their own phone rules?
No. State law preempts local rules on device use while driving.
Back to the Washington learning to drive guide. Compare other states: hands-free and texting laws for US drivers. Knowledge test tip: distraction is a focus topic, see the knowledge test guide.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving” (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.61.673 Dangerously distracted driving” (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.63.110 Monetary penalties” (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit” (app.leg.wa.gov)
- Washington State Legislature, “RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license” (app.leg.wa.gov)