WASHINGTON – Washington State’s new Distracted Driving law is aimed at saving lives and reducing injuries by placing stronger limits on the use of electronics while driving. The new law, aptly named the Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (DUIE) law, took effect on July 23.

*Texting and holding a cellphone at the ear was previously illegal. The new bill prohibits reading any type of message and any pictures while driving. Under the new law:

*All hand-held personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) are banned while driving, even while stopped at a signal or stuck in traffic.

*Reporting an emergency and “minimal use,” such as pushing a button to activate a map, is still allowed.

*Using a mounted smartphone to use a navigation app is allowed, but not to watch a video.

*Devices may be used if the driver has pulled off the roadway and is safely parked.

*Violators will be fined $136 for the first offense. The fine is doubled for subsequent offenses.

*Distracted driving violations are now reportable to insurance companies, where texting was not reportable previously.

The new law classifies other distractions, such as engaging with passengers or grooming, as secondary offenses.

A DUIE is a primary offense and officers can pull someone over for using a handheld device.

According to AAA, distracted driving, often caused by phone use, has become the third leading factor in fatal crashes. A survey by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission found that one out of 10 drivers are distracted while driving and 71 percent of distracted drivers are using cell phones.