“Operating a Motor Vehicle While Using a Mobile Communication Device”
House Bill 2377 amended ORS 811.507 to ban the use of mobile communication devices with some exceptions. Effective January 1, 2010 it is a primary offense, meaning a police officer may stop a driver solely for using a cell phone without using a hands-free accessory. The new law is a class D traffic violation with a minimum base fine of $142.00.
For purposes of the new law, “mobile communication device” is defined as a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication. Exceptions provided in the law are:
A person who is summoning medical or other emergency help if no other person in the vehicle is capable of summoning help;
A person using a mobile communication device for the purpose of farming or agricultural operations;
A person operating an ambulance or emergency vehicle;
A person 18 years of age or older who is using a hands-free accessory (a device when used allows the driver to maintain both hands on the steering wheel);
A person operating a motor vehicle while providing public safety services or emergency services as a volunteer;
A person operating a motor vehicle while acting in the scope of the person’s employment as a public safety officer, as defined in ORS 348.270;
A person operating a motor vehicle in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job;
A person activating or deactivating the mobile communication device or a function of the device (note: dialing is considered the same as texting and is not a “function of the device);
A person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any other license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and is operating an amateur radio;
A person who operates a two-way radio device that transmits radio communication transmitted by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the citizens’ or family radio service bands in accordance with rules of the Federal Communications Commission;
. A person using a function of the mobile communication device that allows for only one-way voice communication while the person is:
1. Operating a motor vehicle in the scope of the person’s employment;
2. Providing transit services to persons with disabilities or to senior citizens; or
3. Participating in public safety or emergency service activities.