Davis Law Group, P.S.

Washington's New Cell Phone Ban While Driving Law Starts Tuesday July 1

On July 1, Washington State's new cell phone ban while driving goes into effect.  Drivers are no longer allowed to use their regular cell phone while driving.  A hands-free device is allowed however.

But a police officer cannot stop you based solely on seeing you drive while talking on a cell phone.  The law is called a "secondary offense," meaning that before the police officer can stop you he or she first has to see you do something else illegal like fail to signal, speed, or some other minor traffic offense.  A ticket for this offense will cost $124.

The new law was enacted in response to data showing that cell phone users are likely to cause more traffic accidents while driving.  Only 5 other states have enacted similar laws banning cell phone usage while driving.  But Washington's new law appears to be a less strict version of the law because of the "secondary offense" status.