Washington Injury Law Blog

Did you break the law on the way to work this morning? The new hands free cell phone law took effect in Washington state today, July 1, 2008. You may only speak on a cell phone while driving if you have a headset, earpiece, speaker, or other hands free device which allows you to keep both hands on the steering wheel. No more phone to ear while driving with one hand.

As Kirkland car accident attorney I often have cases where my client was hit by someone distracted by cell phone conversation. Please help make the roads safer by not talking on a cell phone while driving period. A distraction is a distraction regardless of hands free device or not.

The fine if caught will is $124.00. However, there is a big limitation in enforcing the new law. Police cannot pull you over for having a cell to your ear alone. To be cited for the cell phone the police have to have another reason to stop you, like speeding, improper land change, running a red light, etc. 

BEWARE – the Washington State Patrol is conducting a “special emphasis” patrol and will be actively looking for violators of this new law.

Hang up that cell phone and drive Safe!