Using a mobile phone while driving in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Holding a personal electronic device or using it by hand to text, email or view data while driving is banned, including when stopped in traffic; hands-free use is allowed. Intermediate licence holders may not use a wireless device while driving at all, except in emergencies.
| 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 [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 | Using a hand or finger to compose, send, read, view or access texts, email, instant messages, photos or other data on a personal electronic device is banned while driving, including when stopped in traffic. Minimal use of a finger to activate a function is allowed. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Intermediate licence holders may not use a wireless communications device while driving, except to report illegal activity, summon emergency help or prevent injury. Unlike other intermediate licence restrictions, this one is not limited to secondary enforcement. [2] |
Notes
- 'Use' means holding the device in either hand, using a hand or finger to compose, send, read, view or browse, or watching video. It applies on public highways, including while temporarily stationary in traffic. Text as amended by 2026 c. 123.
- Using the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate or initiate a function is not prohibited; devices made primarily for hands-free use are outside the definition.
- RCW 46.61.672(1) refers to RCW 46.63.110(3), which refers to the penalty schedule set by the Supreme Court. The version of the schedule (IRLJ 6.2) read does not list this offence, so the base penalty could not be confirmed. A second offence doubles the penalty and so does a crash prevention zone.
- No penalty points figure for this offence was found in the sources read.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.61.672 Using a personal electronic device while driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Banned | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Banned (hands-free allowed) | — | USD 75 (first offence) | No points (first offence) |
| Oregon | Banned | Hands-free, 18 or older | USD 265 (presumptive) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 per hour
- 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.