Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19079
Location: PDX9/28/17 10:33 AM |
Oct. 1, Oregon new 'device' use while driving law
Curious as to how many less time a day I might have my 'almosts' from folks with device in hand. I average 2-3 per ride when I go towards Portland.
Mostly in cross walks in which I have the light. Because that is the best time not to resist using a device behind the wheel. Right turns on red for car the worst case for the person in the crosswalk with the light. Lefts from the oncoming nearly as bad. No light with just a crosswalk fun too! It seem light death race 2000. ;)
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Starting Oct. 1, drivers in Oregon can be pulled over for not only texting and talking on their cellphones, but also for navigating, using social media and any other "hands-on" cellphone and electronics use.
quote:
Those convicted of a first-time distracted driving offense not contributing to a crash face a presumptive fine of $260, with a maximum fine of $1,000. Starting on Jan. 1, the court may suspend the fine for first-time offenders if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance course within four months.
Although the fine would be suspended, the violation would still remain on the offender's driving record.
A second-time offense or one involving a crash carries a presumptive fine of $435 and a maximum fine of $2,500.
Committing a third distracted driving offense in a 10-year span is considered a misdemeanor. The minimum fine is $2,000, but repeat offenders could face a $6,250 fine and up to one year in jail.
Repeat offenders will face steeper fines and as much as a year in jail.
Officials are hoping the changes, which stem from the passage of House Bill 2597 during the 2017 Oregon Legislature, will help officers nab reckless drivers and curb dangerous distracted driving behaviors.
Wording on the previous cellphone driving law made texting and talking on the phone the only primary distracted driving offenses, meaning if an officer spotted someone behind the wheel reading a Kindle or scrolling through Facebook, they couldn't pull them over solely for that.
Legislature: Hands-free will be the only legal use of cell phone while driving in Oregon
The new law makes it illegal to drive in Oregon while holding or using any electronic device, including cellphones, tablets, GPS or laptops.
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