Drivers forced to hang up in California, Washington
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Americans may be celebrating their independence this week, but drivers in two more U.S. states will have less freedom to talk on the phone while sitting behind the wheel.
As of July 1, California and Washington State prohibit people from driving while they use a hand-held cell phone.
The offense is primary in California, secondary in Washington. The penalty in California is $20 for the first offense, and $50 for subsequent offenses, while in Washington the fine is $124.
The California law specifies that those operating commercial vehicles may continue to use two-way radios.
In Canada, Quebec and Nova Scotia banned hand-held devices in April, while Newfoundland has restricted cell phones while driving for several years.
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