Oregon House Approves Bill to Expand Distracted Driving Law, Passes to Senate

Oregon lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Monday passed a bill that alters the state's distracted driving law by essentially prohibiting the use of any electronic communication device that prevents a driver from keeping both hands on the wheel.

Previously covering only talking and texting, the amended House Bill 2597 now adds to its prohibitions acts such as trying to use navigation apps while driving, connecting to the Internet to check entertainment sites (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.), or producing emails.

The bill moved to the Senate on Tuesday.

Along with expanding the breadth of what drivers aren't allowed to do while driving, the bill also increases the penalty for an offense –– though it also makes it possible for first-time offenders to take a class and reduce the penalty. For that, the state Department of Transportation will be required to develop and provide a "distracted driving avoidance course" curriculum.

If the Senate approves and passes the bill, it could take effect as early as Oct. 1.

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