No, Washington’s distracted driving laws prohibit any activity that diverts attention from the road, including applying makeup, even if momentarily. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s 2026 enforcement priorities explicitly target “grooming behaviors” under RCW 46.61.675, classifying them as primary offenses with fines up to $136. Local courts in King County have upheld convictions for similar violations, citing the statute’s broad interpretation of “inattentive driving.”
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Washington
- RCW 46.61.675 (Inattentive Driving): Prohibits any action that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, including grooming. The law does not require proof of collision or erratic driving—merely the act itself.
- Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) 2026 Guidelines: Explicitly list makeup application as a high-risk distraction, aligning with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) distracted driving framework. Law enforcement agencies in Spokane and Pierce Counties have received targeted training for enforcement.
- Local Ordinance Enforcement: Municipal courts in Seattle and Bellevue have interpreted the statute to include “secondary tasks” like applying lipstick or mascara, even if performed at stoplights. Violations are adjudicated as moving infractions, impacting insurance premiums.