The Washington Senate on Friday approved a measure that makes it easier for police to pull over drivers who use a cell phone without a hands-free device.
The 33-15 vote sent to the House a bill that makes it a primary offense to be caught holding a cell phone to your ear while driving. That strengthens the state’s current law, which only slaps drivers with an extra fine if they are caught holding a cell phone when pulled over for another infraction, such as speeding.
The bill passed Friday also outlaws any cell phone use by a driver with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license, which is given to drivers under 18 years old. (AP)
