Ban on cellphone use while driving passes Legislature

OLYMPIA — Washington will soon join a small list of states that restrict talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving.

After years of failed attempts, the state House on Tuesday approved the new cellphone limits on a bipartisan 59-38 vote. The measure has already cleared the Senate, and Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign it into law.

"As the bumper sticker says, 'Hang up and drive,' " Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, said Tuesday during a 90-minute floor debate.

A related bill that would outlaw text-messaging while driving has passed the House and is still pending in the Senate.

Using a hand-held phone while driving would be a secondary offense. That means violators could be ticketed only if they're pulled over for a primary offense, such as speeding or running a red light.

The fine would be $101.

The law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2008.