The state of Washington has passed legislation that prohibits individuals from using handheld mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle.
Governor Chris Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5037 late last week. The legislation states that "a person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction."
The legislation, which goes into effect July 1, 2008, allows drivers to use mobile phones in hands-free mode (such as with speaker phone, headset, or earpiece). The legislation supersedes any local ordinance.
Washington joins California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and some local jurisdictions in prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.
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