04/07/2026
April is distracted driving awareness month. With assistance from the NDOT and the Nebraska Highway Safety Office the Washington County Sheriff's Office has received a traffic grant and will be participating in the "Put the Phone Away or Pay" traffic campaign.
Nebraska law (Statute 60-6,179.01) prohibits drivers from reading, sending, or typing written communications, including texts and emails, using a handheld wireless device while operating a motor vehicle. Penalties include a $200 fine (1st offense), $300 (2nd), and $500 (3rd), along with three points on the driver's license.
Between April 9th and 13th we will have extra deputies on the roads to enforce and detour the use of your handheld device while driving.
Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,208 lives in 2024. NHTSA leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America’s roads safe.