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

ALOHA, OR — During a five-hour Washington County Sheriff's Office traffic operation in Aloha Thursday, deputies initiated 104 traffic stops and issued 14 citations, 11 of which were for violating Oregon's newly implemented hands-free law.

According to sheriff's officials, deputies in civilian attire standing at various intersections throughout the unincorporated Washington County community watched for drivers in violation of state driving laws. When they'd see an alleged law-breaker, they'd share their observations with a uniformed deputy who would then initiate a traffic stop.

Out of 104 stops, 73 were specifically for violating the new hands-free law, which clarified many previous Oregon driving laws and made it essentially illegal to ever hold your phone for any reason while operating a vehicle. There are a few exceptions for when a driver can use their phone, such as to swipe or make a single touch on GPS apps or for music, but by and large all uses of any electronic device have been prohibited when not legally parked.

Of the 73 stops for hands-free violations, deputies issued 62 warnings.

Other citations and warnings were issued as follows, police said:

• Three citations and four warnings for failure to wear or improper use of seatbelts;
• Two warnings for failure to obey a traffic control device;
• Six citations for driving while suspended;
• Two citations for operating without driving privileges;
• One citation for speeding;
• Three warnings for expired vehicle registration;
• Two citations and three warnings for vehicle insurance violations;
• Four warnings for vehicle equipment violations; and
• Four warnings for lane use violations.

Click here for the state's distracted driving law fact sheet.

The new law for Oregon drivers went into effect Oct. 1, and was put into place 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. 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.

Photo Courtesy: Washington County Sheriff's Office