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• Introduced by Sen. Tracey Eide, (D-Federal Way) (D) on January 12, 2010, makes the violation of cell phone rules while driving, a primary offense, that can be ticketed without committing any other traffic infraction. Applies the rule to everybody, including drivers with permits instead of licenses.
  • Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on January 12, 2010.
    • Substitute offered in the Senate on January 27, 2010, to add an exception for transit operators to relay time sensitive information using a hand held device. Modifies the existing exception related to navigation systems to say that they are voice operated as opposed to voice activated. It also clarifies that drivers must keep their attention on the road. The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on January 27, 2010.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on January 27, 2010.
• Passed in the Senate (33 to 15) on February 5, 2010, to provide that he holder of an instruction permit or an intermediate license may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving a motor vehicle. An exception is made if the wireless communication device is being used to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or to prevent injury to a person or property. For all drivers, a violation of the laws relating to the use of a cell phone or other wireless communication devices while operating a moving motor vehicle may be enforced as a primary action. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the House on February 8, 2010.
  • Referred to the House Transportation Committee on February 5, 2010.
    • Amendment offered in the House on February 24, 2010, prohibits the holder of either an intermediate driver's license or an instruction permit from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device except in the case of an emergency. The amendment allows the laws relating to the use of a cell phone or other wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle to be enforced as a primary infraction for all drivers. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on February 24, 2010.
  • Referred to the House Rules Committee on February 28, 2010.
    • Amendment offered by Rep. Glenn Anderson, (R-Fall City) (R) on March 3, 2010, requires an applicant for an intermediate license to present certification by his or her parent, guardian, or employer stating that the texting capability of the applicant's wireless communication device has been blocked. The amendment failed in the House by voice vote on March 3, 2010.
    • Amendment offered by Rep. Dan Roach, (R-Bonney Lake) (R) on March 3, 2010, maintains the requirement that violations of the prohibition on a person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear be enforced as a secondary infraction. Removes an exemption from this prohibition for transit or for-hire vehicle operators. The amendment passed in the House by voice vote on March 3, 2010.
• Passed in the House (86 to 12) on March 3, 2010, prohibits the holder of either an intermediate driver's license or an instruction permit from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device except in the case of an emergency. Makes texting while driving a parimary offense. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Referred to the House on March 6, 2010, Senate refuses to concur in House amendments. Asks House to recede from amendments. The referral passed in the Senate by voice vote on March 6, 2010.
• Received in the House on March 11, 2010, prohibits the holder of either an intermediate driver's license or an instruction permit from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device except in the case of an emergency. It also allows the law prohibiting the use of a wireless communication device to send, read, or write a text message while operating a moving motor vehicle to be enforced as a primary infraction for all drivers. Passed in the House (60 to 37) on March 11, 2010. [Vote Details and Comments]