New Washington State cell phone and texting laws are about to go into effect, and it will make using a cell phone while driving a primary offense. It means that if an officer sees you talking on the phone (with it up to your ear) or watches you texting, they can pull you over and give you a ticket for breaking the new law. Before the new laws were put into place, it had been a secondary offense, and drivers had to do something else wrong first before they could be pulled over or cited for using their phone illegally.
The Spokane Police Department even issues a press release today to make sure everyone is aware of what is going on. That press release follows:
The Spokane Police Department wants to remind drivers that the laws regarding texting and cell phone use while driving change tomorrow. As of June 10, 2010, Washington’s new cell phone law is in effect—with strict police enforcement. If police see you holding a phone to your ear or texting while driving, they can pull you over. Tickets are $124 and could be more if your distracted driving causes a collision.
It is important to remember that studies show even using a hands-free device does not reduce the level of distraction you have while talking on your phone. The best advice is still to pull over to a safe place if you need to talk to someone on your phone.
Excuses aren't going to be allowed anymore, and this is a great way to promote safe driving in the area. This is a law that applies to all of Washington State, and not just the Spokane area, so make sure you have your hands-free devices ready to go by tomorrow.
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