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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

New cell phone-driving law takes effect June 10

Associated Press
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol says there will be no grace period when troopers start enforcing the new ban on texting or talking on cell phones while driving. Chief John Batiste says it will be fully enforced “from day one” June 10 when it becomes a primary traffic offense. It has been a secondary violation for two years. Batiste says drivers have had enough warning to use handsfree devices and not text while driving. Since the initial law went into effect in 2008 troopers have issued 5,900 warnings and written 3,000 tickets to drivers stopped for some other offense.