Passed by the Senate April 16, 2007 YEAS 33 NAYS 15 BRAD OWEN ________________________________________ President of the Senate Passed by the House April 11, 2007 YEAS 59 NAYS 38 FRANK CHOPP ________________________________________ Speaker of the House of Representatives		CERTIFICATE I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5037 as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the dates hereon set forth. THOMAS HOEMANN ________________________________________ Secretary
Approved May 11, 2007, 10:14 a.m. CHRISTINE GREGOIRE ________________________________________ Governor of the State of Washington		FILED May 11, 2007 Secretary of State State of Washington

AN ACT Relating to the use of a wireless communications device while operating a moving motor vehicle; adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 The use of wireless communications devices by motorists has increased in recent years. While wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies, their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps on Washington state roadways. When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other, their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increase. It is the legislature's intent to phase out the use of hand-held wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 46.61 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to a person operating:
     (a) An authorized emergency vehicle, or a tow truck responding to a disabled vehicle;
     (b) A moving motor vehicle using a wireless communications device in hands-free mode;
     (c) A moving motor vehicle using a hand-held wireless communications device to:
     (i) Report illegal activity;
     (ii) Summon medical or other emergency help;
     (iii) Prevent injury to a person or property;
     (d) A moving motor vehicle while using a hearing aid.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not restrict the operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the federal communications commission.
     (4) For purposes of this section, "hands-free mode" means the use of a wireless communications device with a speaker phone, headset, or earpiece.
     (5) The state preempts the field of regulating the use of wireless communications devices in motor vehicles, and this section supersedes any local laws, ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations enacted by a political subdivision or municipality to regulate the use of wireless communications devices by the operator of a motor vehicle.
     (6) Enforcement of this section 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 this title or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.
     (7) Infractions that result from the use of a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle under this section 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 section shall not be made available to insurance companies or employers.