Petition started against Washington distracted driving law

TACOMA – At least 18,000 people have decided that a Washington state law against distracted driving takes enforcement too far.

The News Tribune reported Tuesday that a petition to ban the law had gathered nearly 20,000 signatures just three days after it went into effect.

The law bans the use of handheld devices, including cellphones and tablets while driving. The law also says police can give drivers a $99 ticket for other distracting behavior – such as eating, drinking or grooming – if the driver is pulled over for another offense.

Many people who signed the petition wrote that they are unwilling to give up eating or drinking while driving.