Distracted driving, emotions and road rage

Key points

1. You cannot hold any electronic device while driving, at any age; hands free use is allowed.

   Source: PDF page 32

   “You cannot hold any electronic device while driving (like cell phones, tablets, or gaming devices). This applies to all drivers, regardless of age or experience. Using hands-free devices is permitted”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 32

2. Fines after your first distracted driving violation can be doubled.

   Source: PDF page 32

   “Fines after your first violation can be doubled.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 32

3. It is illegal to drive wearing earbuds or headphones, but a hands free device in one ear may be allowed.

   Source: PDF page 24

   “It is against the law to drive a vehicle while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones, or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise. You can use a hands-free device in one ear if it complies with Washington Administrative Code statute 204-10-045.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 24

4. Permit and intermediate license holders cannot use a phone while driving, even hands free.

   Source: PDF page 24

   “If you have an instruction permit or intermediate license, you cannot use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving, even if it is hands-free.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 24

5. To calm down before driving, count slowly from 1 to 20, or backward from 100 by threes.

   Source: PDF page 27

   “Count slowly from 1 to 20, or backwards from 100 by three (100, 97, 94, 91, 88…).”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 27

6. Aggressive driving, purposely doing something that endangers people or property, is a traffic offense.

   Source: PDF page 27

   “Aggressive driving is a traffic offense. Aggressive driving is when a driver purposely does something that endangers people or property.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 27

7. Road rage is a criminal offense.

   Source: PDF page 28

   “Road rage is a criminal offense. Road rage is an angry response to something that happened on the road that leads to violent behavior with a vehicle or other weapon.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 28

8. If you face road rage, distance yourself from the situation physically and mentally.

   Source: PDF page 28

   “When you see other drivers around you acting or reacting in anger, distance yourself from the situation physically and mentally.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 28

9. Report road rage in progress immediately by calling 911.

   Source: PDF page 29

   “Report in-progress road rage incidents immediately by calling 911.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 29

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Washington practice test

1. 1. What calming technique does the Washington guide suggest for a driver who feels angry or stressed?

   1. Count slowly from 1 to 20, or backwards from 100 by three
   2. Drive faster to get home sooner
   3. Turn the music up loud
   4. Honk to release tension
   Show answer

   Count slowly from 1 to 20, or backwards from 100 by three. The guide suggests breathing exercises you can do while parked and counting slowly from 1 to 20, or backwards from 100 by three, concentrating only on the numbers to quiet everything else. Emotional awareness encourages patience and respect for other road users. Allow plenty of time for the trip, and if another driver is harassing you, call the police rather than engaging.

2. 2. How does the Washington guide say to report road rage in progress?

   1. File a report at a licensing office
   2. Post it on social media
   3. Call 911 immediately
   4. Follow the driver to get the plate
   Show answer

   Call 911 immediately. Report in progress road rage incidents immediately by calling 911. Reducing road rage and aggressive driving is described as critical to the mission of the Washington State Patrol, whose troopers watch for aggressive driving. If you feel followed or harassed, the guide says to drive to an area with other people and open businesses, avoid aggressive honking or gestures, and call the police if necessary.

3. 3. Which earpiece use does Washington allow while driving?

   1. Full headphones at low volume
   2. Noise cancelling earbuds in both ears
   3. A hands free device in one ear that complies with the state code
   4. None at all, even hands free
   Show answer

   A hands free device in one ear that complies with the state code. You cannot drive while wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones or headsets that broadcast sound or cancel noise, but you can use a hands free device in one ear if it complies with Washington Administrative Code 204-10-045. Instruction permit and intermediate license holders cannot use a phone or mobile device at all while driving, even hands free. The rule sits in the guide's hearing section, which notes that horns, sirens, or screeching tires can provide direction or warn of danger.

Source: the Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), Chapter 3: Drivers. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.