Beaverton Police Produce Educational Video To Help Explain Oregon's New Hands-Free Law

BEAVERTON, OR — For the past 15 days, Beaverton police have reportedly tried to give more warnings than citations for the new "hands-free" law that took effect statewide on Oct. 1. Beginning Monday, Oct. 16, however, officers will begin using their own discretion when handing out tickets for offending drivers, according to Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe.

The new law for Oregon drivers was developed in response to loop holes administrators found in the state's previous driving laws. At it's most basic level, the new law states that at no time shall any driver hold in their hands an electronic device if the vehicle is not legally parked.

To help explain in more detail what this new law means for Oregon drivers, Beaverton police produced this handy YouTube video:

"The Beaverton Police Department knows distracted driving is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes," Rowe said in a statement. "We wanted to share this video with you and hope it clears up some of the confusion that has come with the new law."

According to the state, these are a few exceptions to the new rules:

• When using hands-free or built-in devices, if you are 18 years of age or older.
• Use of a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device.
• When parked safely in a designated parking spot. (State officials clarified it is not legal to use any device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign, or in traffic. The vehicle must be in park in a parking space.)
• While providing or summoning medical help and no one else is available to make the call.
• To truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for CDL holders.
• When using a two-way radio if you are a CB user, school bus driver, utility truck driver in scope of employment.
• If you are a HAM radio operator age 18 years or older.

Punishments for violations include fines up to $1,000 for offenses that don't involve a crash, or $2,500 for offenses that do (or for a second violation). A third violation will be treated as a misdemeanor and could land the offender in jail for 6 months and also include a $2,500 fine.

Beginning Jan. 1, courts will have the option of waiving fines for first-time offenders who enroll in Distracted Driving Avoidance classes.

"Hands off and eyes up are what we hope you will do," Rowe said.

Related Coverage:

Traffic Operation In Aloha Nets 73 Stops For 'Hands-Free' Law Violations

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