The Senate Transportation Committee held a meeting on Monday, January 17, 2010. One of the debates revolves around toughening the Washington state’s traffic laws as they relate to using cell phones while driving. Specifically, the new law would allow WA state law enforcement officers to pull over drivers that they observe holding a cell phone to their ear while driving.  The fine for this violation would be $124.

Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, is the leading proponent for this bill and is sponsoring it.  In addition to the above change of the law, this bill would also prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from talking on cell phones entirely while driving, including phones that are equipped with “hands-free” devices.

Debate is expected from both sides of each of these proposed new WA traffic laws.  One side believes it would overburden already stretched police officers and the other believes that it is a public safety issue warranting immediate action.

Sen. Eide believes this issue to be in the same category as a DUI.

“It’s the equivalent to drunk driving. We don’t tolerate drunks in Washington State,” she said. “It’s time to say, ‘Hang up and drive.’”  Many believe, however, that her comparison to Washington DUI law is a stretch.