Washington, Oregon Take on Motorists' Use of Cell Phones

Washington state Sen. Tracey Eide plans to introduce a bill that makes cell phone use in cars a primary offense, reports King5.com. Currently, motorists can only get a ticket for cell phone use after another offense like speeding has been committed. Under the proposed bill, drivers could get a ticket just for having a phone to their ear. The bill also would ban texting while driving.

On New Year's Day, Oregon instituted a law that banned motorists from talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving. However, according to Top Tech News, the new law exempts motorists who are using their phones "in the scope of the person's employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person's job." Violators face a minimum fine of $142.