Washington Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban already binds you here (49 CFR 392.82) — no holding, dialing, or reaching in any Washington traffic. Washington also bans hand-held use for every driver (RCW 46.61.672), enforced as a primary offense, so an officer can stop you for the phone alone. First ticket runs $136, jumping to $234 for a repeat within five years. Even a single touch at a red light counts.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Washington’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban already binds you here (49 CFR 392.82) — no holding, dialing, or reaching in any Washington traffic. Washington also bans hand-held use for every driver (RCW 46.61.672), enforced as a primary offense, so an officer can stop you for the phone alone. First ticket runs $136, jumping to $234 for a repeat within five years. Even a single touch at a red light counts.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers under the same electronics statute (RCW 46.61.672); primary enforcement.
- Fine: $136 for a first offense; $234 for a repeat within five years (double the base penalty), assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). Amended in 2026 by SB 6066; the hand-held ban and primary enforcement are unchanged.
- Points: Washington has no driver-license point system; the citation is a traffic infraction that still reports to your record and insurer. Federal CSA: two 392.82 convictions in 3 years disqualify the CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days.
Washington Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Washington?
What is the phone fine in Washington?
Is texting while driving illegal in Washington?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.672. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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