On October 1st, 2017, Oregon put into effect its new laws and regulations on technology use while driving. The changes made to the law are much more strict; and the changes will affect you.

House Bill 2597, was passed by state legislature and signed by the governor earlier this year .The law states that it is illegal to drive while holding or using an electronic device (e.g. cellphone, tablet, GPS, laptop). The bill is designed to put an end to a loophole that was missed by lawmakers in 2009. The previous bill states drivers must use a hands-free device when calling, and can not text. This law, however, leaves out other functions on the phone, such as playing games or programming a navigation system, The Oregonian reports.

As part of the new bill, fines from infractions will rise. After you first offense, the fines will rise up to $260, compared to the previous flat $160, with no escalation for repeat offenders. Now, if you infarct a second time, or have a first time offensive that contributes to a crash, you will have to pay $435. Your third offense in 10 years will be considered a class B misdemeanor; this will put you out a minimum of $2,000, and even 6 months jail time.

While most drivers can still use a hands-free device, drivers under 18 are banned from using the feature. Drivers over 18 will not be cited for using a hands free device, but the majority of all high school age kids will be affected by the age cut off.

One exceptions to the new bill is a single touch or swipe to the device to activate or deactivate a feature. If you were trying to lock your phone, active a programmed route, or end a task, you will not be prosecuted. You will, however, be ticketed if this extends past a single swipe. The law specifically singles out using your phone for entertainment or navigational purposes, so setting up your music is definitely not allowed. Having a passenger do it is completely legal, though.

Using your phone while driving is only acceptable in very certain circumstances; when parked safely and when calling for emergency help. Even these exceptions have their limitations though; you can use your phone when parked safely, with the emphasis on parked. Being stopped at at stop sign or a stop light does not count as parked. If you really need to use your phone, pull over to the side of the road or to a parking spot. Calling for emergency help is also only legal if there is no one else capable in the car. If you have a passenger who would be able to call for help, they would need to do it. If there was a situation where you were the only capable person to call, you will not be prosecuted for doing so.

With this new bill, Oregon lawmakers are sending a strong message; driving and electronic usage do  not mix. Drivers need to remember that their actions affect more people than just themselves. So please, be smarter than your phone and put it away.