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Washington State Text-Messaging BanWashington State has two cell-phone related driving laws going into effect in 2008. The first one is EHB 1214 and takes effect on January 1st, 2008. EHB 1214 bans text messaging and makes it a traffic infraction; this is not a hands-free ordinance, but a complete ban on text messaging. Like many of the other driving laws across the United States there are exceptions during emergency situations or for on-duty public safety personnel. This is a secondary enforcement law, which means that you will only receive a ticket if you have been pulled over for another driving violation. Like the hands-free violation, this infraction is not placed on your driving record or reportable to employers or insurance companies.
Washington State Hands-Free Driving LawThe other new Washington State driving law going into effect in 2008 is the hands-free law (ESSB 5037). This new hands-free cell-phone law prohibits the use of a wireless device such as a cell-phone being held to your ear while you are driving. Unlike the text messaging ban, you are allowed to use your cell-phone if the communication is made using hands-free device such as a bluetooth headset or wired headset.
You can use your cell-phone without a hands-free device if it is a emergency situation or if you are reporting illegal activity. ESSB 5037 does not apply to a person with a hearing aid. Like the text messaging ban above, the Washington State hands-free driving law is a secondary enforcement law. You will only receive a ticket for this if you are pulled over for the usual type of traffic violation such as speeding or running a stop sign. This violation will not go on your driving record and employers and insurance companies will receive no information regarding the violation. Hands-free devices, such as bluetooth headsets and wired headsets are good choices for hands-free driving. Bluetooth wireless car kits are also a good option, but they are more expensive than the other two options. In my experience, the wired headsets are an excellent value for the hands-free experience. For a summary and pictures of the hands- free choices available please check out our article on "Being Hands-Free" on this website. We will explain all of your hands-free options and give you enough information to make an intelligent choice. Exceptions to the New Washington State Hands-Free LawWe have had many inquires on exceptions to the new Washington State hands-free law. Most of these questions have been about the use of two-way radios. I have posted the exceptions and a link to the source document below. The prohibition against operating a moving vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to one's ear does not apply to:
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