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New cellphone, text law starts Thursday

New cellphone, text law starts Thursday

Credit: AP

New cellphone, text law starts Thursday

by Associated Press

KING5.com

Posted on June 6, 2010 at 3:37 PM

EVERETT, Wash. - Starting Thursday, law enforcement officers statewide can stop and ticket drivers for speaking on the phone while holding it to an ear or texting while driving.

Next week, a beefed up new cell phone law kicks in. Lawmakers this past session made talking on the cell phone without a device and texting a primary offense. Drivers are now required to use devices that would make them "hands-free" while they use their phones.

No compliance means a $124 ticket. The Washington State Patrol has said there will be no grace period.

But the state Department of Licensing and State Patrol are starting a campaign Monday to get the word out on the new law.

In 2009, the Herald of Everett reported, State Patrol issued 1,607 tickets to drivers talking on their cell phone and another 236 for texting.

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Comments: Displaying 1 - 15 of 19

thinkfast said on June 8, 2010 at 6:35 PM

I for one, am glad that the state finally made it a primary offence, I think that some of the people talking & texting need to be made aware of the dangers of their behavior, and the penalties involved when they ignore the law! I speak from experiance, because I was involved in a hit and run because a person was too busy talking on their cell phone, and pulled out infront of me, from a side street without looking, and I hit him while I was riding my motorcycle! I was left in the middle of the road broken and bleeding, while the person didn't even stop to see if I alive. I was very lucky in the fact that there was an off duty EMS driver two cars back who was able to administer first-aid to me until the Aide Car arrived! I hope that the people who think that it is their God given right to talk & text on their cells will learn to either go without the distaction or learn to use the proper "hands-free" devices so that they NEVER have to experiance what happened to me!

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diggindude said on June 7, 2010 at 2:22 PM

this is the same thing as a seatbelt law...strictly for generating revenue.

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aziza said on June 7, 2010 at 5:23 AM

This law isn't a moment too soon! Four kids at my kids' school almost got hit by a father backing into the cross walk, did a U turn and all while on the phone! Almost took out four kids who were flagged to walk! If you are going to be an idiot, you deserve to pay the $$$!

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preciouskitty said on June 6, 2010 at 10:59 PM

Here I am again! Hey, the headset that has a wire from the cellphone to your ear, isn't that expensive!! If a person can afford to buy a cellphone, then they should buy a headset of some sort. Better yet, why don't we tell all of the manufacturers of cell phones to include a headset with the purchase of a phone. If it costs a little more, oh well. Maybe people will be the message!! Oh, never mind--too many are just too stupid to care. If they get caught driving & talk or texting, and they get pulled over by an officer, they will either pay the fine or not & then find themselves in jail the next time they get pulled over!! Hello, people, WAKE UP!!!

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preciouskitty said on June 6, 2010 at 10:55 PM

It's a shame that a law has to tell people how to live and what not to do! i.e. do not talk on their cell phones while driving; now the law is being revised to tell people NOT to text while driving!! OMG - what is next? Maybe cars need to be made that will stop a vehicle from going forward if you do not have both hands on the steering wheel!! Why not create a law that says "People, QUIT BEING STUPID about talking on your cell phones while Driving a CAR!!! That means: DO NOT TALK ON on your cell phone while driving; you must have a hands free device or do not talk at all!! Pull off the road, but not into the emergency lane on the highway. AND DO NOT TEXT MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING A CAR!! You are not driving tanks, nor are other people going to be watching out for idiots who are using their cell phones!!" Oh, I have it! Waste taxpayers money by posting signs on the freeways, highways, i.e. all major roads -- NO CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING OR PAY A FINE OF $124!

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vandamme said on June 6, 2010 at 10:41 PM

This new law must apply to women drivers only! Guys have no problem, talking and driving.

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clear2copy said on June 6, 2010 at 10:25 PM

BRING IT ON!!!! I'm SO happy they finally made this a primary offense.. FFs..put the phone down and drive your car.. oh..and brightagain..my punctuationally challenged friend.. Officers are allowed the use of their mobiles while on duty and driving.

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tomma206 said on June 6, 2010 at 10:16 PM

It wont help a thing.People will do it anyway.Boo to the nannies of the state for showing us once more you have no idea what you are doing.

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taxdollarsponge said on June 6, 2010 at 9:59 PM

F#%k you!

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brightagain said on June 6, 2010 at 8:58 PM

WHO WILL TICKET THE COP'S I SEE ON THE CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING

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97850 said on June 6, 2010 at 7:05 PM

This is great news, but I think the ticket should be closer to $500.

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wolfrayet said on June 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM

Several studies have proven hand free devices don't improve your chances of crashing when using your cell phone in your car. As for texting this bumper sticker said it all, "Honk if you love Jesus text if you want to meet him"

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baldeagle said on June 6, 2010 at 6:29 PM

Now if they can just get the cops to hang up!

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farmer01 said on June 6, 2010 at 5:54 PM

The money grab begins

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jackwong said on June 6, 2010 at 5:54 PM

I salute them.

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bel808 said on June 6, 2010 at 5:19 PM

Great Law! I almost got T-boned by a driver in the middle of a major intersection who decided to make a right turn in front of me. You bet I cursed the living day lights out of that driver. I looked up and realized the light was red on me and I told my friend whom I talking to- S****! I ran a red light and almost T-boned!! Gotta hang up! Remember it's NOT always the OTHER DRIVER, it could be you! Next time you're on the phone and driving, ask yourself what sign or landmark did you just pass in the last 5 seconds? Most likely, you won't remember. I sure as heck didn't remember the last 2 seconds when I ran the red light! Hang up and drive and be safe.

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brucelee said on June 6, 2010 at 5:06 PM

God I hate the bluetooth headset or speaker!

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hikeswitheyes said on June 6, 2010 at 4:58 PM

I hope they start using the red light cameras to also enforce the law.

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skyhawkcva19 said on June 6, 2010 at 4:29 PM

Book'em Danno, I love this law, I am really tired of dodging these idiots!

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