EUGENE, Ore. – Eugene police are reminding drivers to follow the new distracted driving law, that went into effect in Oregon on Oct. 1.
Officer Doug Ledbetter said the law does not allow drivers to hold or use their electronic devices like phones, GPS or tablets while driving. Ledbetter said drivers are allowed to use hands-free objects such as Bluetooth and mounts.
"There are a lot of other things going on, that you should be paying attention to and you're electronic device isn't really one of them,” Ledbetter said. “So just put your phones down and drive."
He said the first offense can be a $300 citation, while the second offense is $500. But if you get caught three times within 10 years, it could result in jail time.
Ledbetter said the worst punishment of all is a car accident that results in you or someone else getting hurt, or worse. He said starting Jan. 1, there is an opportunity for drivers to get their fines waived if they attend an approved distracted driving avoidance course.
