Over 1,100 cited in King County for using cell phones while driving

SEATTLE -- More than 1,100 citations were issued in the past six weeks by law enforcement agencies throughout King County to motorists using cell phones while driving, and 180 were ticketed for texting while driving, the Washington State Patrol said Wednesday.

“Despite the warnings in the media, we still found a lot of drivers without their full attention on the road,” said Lt. Mike Rupert of the Washington State Patrol.  “This special (patrol) campaign is over, but officers and troopers continue to be on the lookout for cell phone violations.”

In Washington state, drivers are prohibited from texting or talking on their cell phones without the use of a hands-free device.  The fine is $124 but could be increased in the case of a traffic collision.  Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any cell phone device.

Extra patrols were funded by grants from King County Emergency Medical Services and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Task Force.