3/22/06-A bill has died that would have required drivers to keep their hands off the phone.
Senators voted 28-19 to send the bill to the House where it met fierce opposition, ultimately leading to the bill’s demise.
Sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, the bill would have banned hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would have still been permitted.
SB5160 called for making it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning they would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would have faced a $101 fine.
It would have exempted emergency calls.

2/10/06-The Senate voted 28-19 to advance a bill that would require drivers to keep their hands off the phone. The bill has been sent to the House.
SB5160, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning they would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face a $101 fine.
It would exempt emergency calls.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

Click here to read the 2005 legislative updates for SB5160.