Drive Me Crazy

Gov. Jay Inslee fast-tracked a new law aimed at distracted driving.

As of July 23^rd, virtually all use of handheld gadgets is forbidden. Appropriately named the Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (DUIE Act), which will be a primary offense – so if police see you, you’re getting pulled over.

This includes:

• Phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Gaming devices

What can you do?

Anything that requires minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the device. Like hanging up on a sales person. There’s also an exemption for contacting emergency services.

What will it cost you if you disobey?

• First time: standard traffic fine of $136 plus it’s reportable to insurance companies, which could raise rates
• Second time: about $235

What else has Gov. Inslee been up to?

Signing a measure that would make a fourth DUI a felony in Washington state.

So, just call a taxi next time. No excuses.