Washington State had two cell-phone related driving laws go in effect July 1. EHB 1214 bans all text-messaging while driving and makes it a traffic infraction. Like other states with similar laws, there is an exception for emergency situations and for on-duty public safety personnel.
The text-messaging law is a secondary-enforcement law, so drivers can receive a citation only if they have been stopped by police for another driving infraction. The text-messaging violation is not placed on driving records or reported to employers or insurance companies.
The hands-free law (ESSB 5037) prohibits the use of wireless devices such as cell phones being held to a driver's ear while driving. It does allow the use of a Bluetooth headset or similar hands-free communication device.
Exceptions to the law include those operating an emergency vehicle or tow truck while responding to a disabled vehicle; a driver using a hands-free wireless communication device; a person using a cell phone or similar device to report illegal activity or summon emergency assistance; a person using a hearing aid.
One additional exception to the wireless law covers the use of an amateur radio device by a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate an amateur radio station.
Like the text-messaging law, the hands-free violation can be issued to a driver only when a law officer stops the vehicle for another infraction, and the citations do not appear on state driving records.