How to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket in Washington
If you got a distracted driving ticket in Washington, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Distracted driving fines under RCW 46.61.672: first offense = base fine (confirm specific amount in IRLJ 6.2 at courts.wa.gov or on your citation); second or subsequent offense = DOUBLE the base fine.
How to fight a distracted driving ticket in Washington, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the distracted driving charge in Washington and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your distracted driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Distracted driving fines under RCW 46.61.672: first offense = base fine (confirm specific amount in IRLJ 6.2 at courts.wa.gov or on your citation); second or subsequent offense = DOUBLE the base fine.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Washington court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Washington Distracted Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
Is Washington State a hands-free state?
Yes. Washington enacted a comprehensive hands-free driving law (RCW 46.61.672), effective January 1, 2019. Drivers are prohibited from holding a personal electronic device in either hand while driving.
What is prohibited under Washington's distracted driving law?
Under RCW 46.61.672, it is prohibited to: hold a personal electronic device in either hand; use one or more fingers to compose, send, or read any message; or watch any video while driving. Critically, 'driving' includes being stopped at a traffic control device — you may not use a handheld device while stopped at a red light. Use is only permitted when the vehicle is lawfully pulled off the roadway.
What are the fines for distracted driving in Washington?
Distracted driving fines under RCW 46.61.672: first offense = base fine (confirm specific amount in IRLJ 6.2 at courts.wa.gov or on your citation); second or subsequent offense = DOUBLE the base fine. There are no additional school zone or work zone enhancers for this violation. Washington State law preempts local ordinances — no city or county may impose different or stricter rules.
Is distracted driving a primary or secondary offense in Washington?
Distracted driving under RCW 46.61.672 is a PRIMARY offense — officers can stop your vehicle solely for this violation without needing another reason.
Can I use GPS while driving in Washington?
Under RCW 46.61.672, you may use your device in hands-free mode (e.g., mounted on the dashboard, voice-activated). You may not hold the device or use your fingers to interact with it while driving or stopped at a traffic control. Hands-free GPS navigation is broadly understood to be permitted.
What is 'dangerously distracted driving' in Washington?
Washington has a separate 'dangerously distracted driving' infraction under RCW 46.61.673. This covers driving while engaged in any activity not related to operating the vehicle (eating, applying makeup, etc.) in a manner that causes the driver to be a danger to others. This is a SECONDARY offense — you cannot be stopped solely for it — and the base fine is $30.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.