HB 1214.E - DIGEST |
(DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Provides that a person operating a moving motor vehicle who, by means of an electronic wireless communications device, other than a voice-activated global positioning or navigation system that is permanently affixed to the vehicle, sends, reads, or writes a text message, is guilty of a traffic infraction. A person does not send, read, or write a text message when he or she reads, selects, or enters a phone number or name in a wireless communications device for the purpose of making a phone call. |
Does not apply to a person operating: (1) An authorized emergency vehicle; or |
(2) A moving motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to: (a) report illegal activity; (b) summon medical or other emergency help; (c) prevent injury to a person or property; or (d) relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle. |
Provides that enforcement of this act by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of Title 46 RCW or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense. |
Provides that infractions under this act shall not become part of the driver's record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120. Additionally, a finding that a person has committed a traffic infraction under this act shall not be made available to insurance companies or employers. |
Takes effect January 1, 2008. |