What is the legal status of using a hand-held cell phone while driving?

The use of a hand-held cell phone while driving is illegal in Washington State. This law is in place to enhance safety on the roads, as using a hand-held device can significantly distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents. The law aims to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving incidents by prohibiting drivers from engaging in activities that take their attention away from the road, such as holding a cell phone to make calls, send texts, or navigate.

In Washington, while hands-free devices are permitted, the intent is to minimize distractions as much as possible during driving. The law recognizes that any form of cell phone use, particularly hand-held, can impair a driver's ability to focus on driving tasks, leading to dangerous situations. Thus, using a hand-held cell phone is not only a legal violation but also poses a significant risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road.