The Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill earlier this week that makes typing and sending text messages on cell phones or BlackBerries a traffic offense if done while driving.
House Bill 1214 states, “A person operating a moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a text message on an electronic wireless communications device is guilty of a traffic infraction.” If the bill is approved by the state's Senate, Washington State Patrol may cite drivers with a second-degree negligent driving offense if they are observed committing the act, which typically results in a fine of $111. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Joyce McDonald and Dawn Morrell.
The bill makes exceptions for those operating emergency vehicles, moving motor vehicles that are also operating an amateur radio and who holds a current, valid amateur radio station license issued by the federal communications commission, and those messages used to report illegal activity, summon medical help, or prevent injury to a person or property. The bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2008.
Arizona and Connecticut have similar legislation pending.
Interested in more auto-claim news and in-depth articles? Head over to Claims' auto-claim channel for more information.
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