California, Washington Ban Cell Phone Use In Cars To Improve Traffic Safety

Seattle, WA (AHN) - Two laws go into effect Tuesday, affecting how people can use their cell phone while driving. In California and Washington State, drivers will be ticketed if they are caught using a mbile phone that isn't hands-free.

In California, the ban impacts both adult and under-18 drivers. For adults, the new law requires drivers over 18-years old to use a hands-free phone to make calls. However, drivers under 18 cannot use any cell phone to talk or send text messages.

Drivers caught violating the law will be fined $20 the first time and then $50 and added fees after that. The Public Policy Institute of California estimated the ban could eliminate 300 traffic deaths each year.

In Washington State, the ban requires all cell phone calls to be hands-free. Violators could receive a $124 fine if police notice they are using a hand-held phone after stopped for speeding, or another traffic offense.

Legislatures in 33 states are considering similar cell phone bans.