EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Starting Thursday, law enforcement officers statewide can stop and ticket drivers for speaking on the phone while holding it to an ear or texting while driving.
Next week, a beefed up new cell phone law kicks in. Lawmakers this past session made talking on the cell phone without a device and texting a primary offense. Drivers are now required to use devices that would make them “hands-free” while they use their phones.
No compliance means a $124 ticket. The Washington State Patrol has said there will be no grace period.
But the state Department of Licensing and State Patrol are starting a campaign Monday to get the word out on the new law.
