Using a mobile phone while driving in Oregon (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Holding a mobile electronic device or using it for any purpose while driving is an offence; drivers aged 18 or over may use a hands-free accessory. The presumptive fine for a first offence is USD 265. Drivers under 18 may not use a device even with a hands-free accessory.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $265.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holding a mobile electronic device, or using it for any purpose including text messaging and email, is an offence while driving, including when stopped in traffic. Using a hands-free accessory is a defence only for drivers aged 18 or over. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 cannot rely on the hands-free accessory defence, so for them any use of a mobile electronic device while driving is an offence, hands-free included. [1] |
Notes
- Applies on highways and premises open to the public. The offence is holding the device in the hand or using it for any purpose. Amendments to ORS 811.507 (Oregon Laws 2025, chapter 278) become operative on 1 January 2027; the operative text was not compared in detail.
- Use of a hands-free accessory is an affirmative defence only for a person aged 18 or older. Drivers under 18 have no such defence.
- Presumptive fine for a Class B violation (first conviction); the maximum is USD 1,000. A Class A violation applies if the offence contributes to an accident (presumptive USD 440). A first-offence fine may be suspended on completing an approved distracted driving course.
- No penalty points figure for this offence was found in the sources read.
Sources
- Oregon Legislature: ORS Chapter 811 Rules of the Road for Drivers (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Oregon Legislature: ORS Chapter 153 Violations and Fines (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 April 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Oregon and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Banned | Hands-free, 18 or older | USD 265 (presumptive) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| California | Banned | Hands-free allowed | Base fine USD 20 (first) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Banned (hands-free allowed) | — | USD 75 (first offence) | No points (first offence) |
| Nevada | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Washington | Banned | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Oregon
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business; 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph on listed highways
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial retail fireworks only
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Concealed spring/gravity blade banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.55 per hour (standard rate)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.