It's June 10th: Park that phone or pay up
SEATTLE -- Park that phone or pay up.
Starting Thursday, texting or talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device becomes a primary offense. That means if police see you holding a phone to your ear while you're driving, you will get a $124 ticket.
Up until now, police had to see you committing another infraction, such as speeding or failing to signal, to pull you over and cite you for using a cell phone.
No more. And troopers say there will be no grace period.
"Drivers have known this is coming," trooper Keith Leary said.
There are a few exceptions: It's OK to hold a cell phone if you have a hearing aid, or if you are calling 911.
You are also allowed to have a hand-held phone on speakerphone.
Teenagers will have stricter regulations. New teen drivers will be banned from using their phones at all, except for emergencies. The new law will be included in the curriculum in driver's education.
Some stores that stock cell phones said they have seen a spike in hands-free device sales and others say they have stocked up for the expected rush to comply with the law.
Starting Thursday, texting or talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device becomes a primary offense. That means if police see you holding a phone to your ear while you're driving, you will get a $124 ticket.
Up until now, police had to see you committing another infraction, such as speeding or failing to signal, to pull you over and cite you for using a cell phone.
No more. And troopers say there will be no grace period.
"Drivers have known this is coming," trooper Keith Leary said.
There are a few exceptions: It's OK to hold a cell phone if you have a hearing aid, or if you are calling 911.
You are also allowed to have a hand-held phone on speakerphone.
Teenagers will have stricter regulations. New teen drivers will be banned from using their phones at all, except for emergencies. The new law will be included in the curriculum in driver's education.
Some stores that stock cell phones said they have seen a spike in hands-free device sales and others say they have stocked up for the expected rush to comply with the law.
Learn about changes coming to commenting