Washington

---

5/18/07-Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a bill into law banning hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state unless it's an emergency. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device will still be permitted.
The new law, previously SB5037, makes driving while using a hand-held phone a secondary offense - meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Eide wrote in the bill that "while wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies, their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps . When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increase."
Violators would face $101 fines. No points would be added to driver's licenses and insurance companies wouldn't be notified.
The new rule takes effect in July 2008.

4/24/07-The Senate voted 33-15 to sign off on House changes to the bill that would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state unless it's an emergency. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, SB5037 would make driving while using a hand-held phone a secondary offense - meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
Amendments to exempt commercial drivers and tax drivers were rejected in the House.
Eide wrote in the bill that "while wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies, their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps . When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increase."
Violators would face $101 fines. No points would be added to driver's licenses and insurance companies wouldn't be notified.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

3/10/07-The Senate voted 29-18 to approve a bill that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone. It's been forwarded to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, SB5037 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving in the state unless it's an emergency. Talking on a phone equipped with a "hands-free" device would still be permitted.
The measure calls for making it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone - meaning drivers 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 $101 fines. No points would be added to driver's licenses and insurance companies wouldn't be notified.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

2/23/07-The Senate Transportation Committee voted 11-3 to approve a bill that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone.
Sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, SB5037 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 measure calls for making it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone - meaning drivers 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 fines up to $538.
Emergency calls would be exempted.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.

1/17/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off the phone.
Sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, SB5037 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 measure calls for making it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone - meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone.
It would exempt emergency calls.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.