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In 2025, Oregon Senate Bill 840 introduced several changes to requirements and penalties under the code governing the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and some changes are more favorable to licensed drivers.

Body Movements

A driver becomes distracted while putting on makeup or shaving. Yes, I have seen guys with their cordless shavers exceeding the speed limit, late for work, looking in the rear-view mirror to make sure they don’t miss a spot. If you reach into the bag to look for that last french fry or try stuffing that monster burger that drips sauce all down your shirt, that’s distracted driving. Changing the radio station or searching for a song on the dashboard display requires you to take your eyes off the road for a moment. Smokers, have you ever stuck a cigarette in your mouth and spent several minutes shaking, trying to milk the last of the butane out of your lighter? Parents know how frustrating it is to have children buckled in the back seat, fighting, yelling, or throwing stuff at each other. The temptation to turn around, reach back to settle them, and take one’s eyes off the road is strong. You’d be better off pulling over where it is safe to do any of these. All this monkey business and more pull your attention away from the most critical activity that requires your complete attention.

That’s not true. Some auto insurance companies have taken a hard stance against distracted driving. The auto insurance company views the improper use of a phone while driving, typically classified as distracted driving, as a serious offense. Most assign a major violation charge to this type of infraction. You could expect the insurer to raise your rates by as much as 25% if convicted of a cell phone ticket.

The limits in your auto insurance policy are dollar amounts the insurance company will pay in benefits to you or someone else on your behalf. The declaration page of your contract will spell out what each limit is and which coverage applies.