Brief Description: Regarding the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle.

Sponsors: By Representatives McDonald and Morrell.

House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

State law does not explicitly address text messaging or e-mailing while driving. When Washington State Patrol officers observe dangerous driving behavior by a motor vehicle operator using an electronic device, they may cite the driver for second-degree negligent driving.

Summary:

Any person operating a moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing, or sending a text message on an electronic wireless communications device is guilty of a traffic infraction unless the person is:

• operating an authorized emergency vehicle; or   
• using a hand-held wireless communications device to report illegal activity, summon medical or emergency assistance, or prevent injury to a person or property.

Enforcement of the act is limited so that it may be enforced only as a secondary action, and violations of the act do not become part of the driver's driving record.   

Votes on Final Passage:

House   73   23
Senate   32   15   (Senate amended)
House   90   8   (House concurred)

Effective: January 1, 2008