OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Senate has approved a measure that makes it easier for police to pull over drivers who use a cell phone without a handsfree device.
On a 33-15 vote Friday, the Senate passed 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.
The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.
