MOSES LAKE — The grace period for violators of Washington’s distracted driving law has ended and police will now be issuing tickets and fines for distracted driving.

Washington voters passed the Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act in 2017 and the law went into effect in July, but the Washington State Patrol gave drivers a six-month grace period to get better acquainted with the law. The law allows drivers to use a hands-free application, such as Bluetooth, to talk on the phone. Drivers are given one touch of a device to start a function, but people are urged to start GPS, music and other electronics before they begin driving.

Drivers are not allowed to use cellphones as they are driving, stopped in traffic or at a stoplight.

"When you drive distracted, you are putting yourself and other drivers in danger," Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste stated. "By eliminating distractions while driving, we will move closer to reaching the statewide Target Zero goal of no fatalities and serious injuries by 2030."

Fatalities caused by distracted driving in Washington increased by 32 percent from 2014 to 2015. A Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) study revealed 71 percent of distracted drivers are sidetracked by their cellphone. Being sidetracked by a phone can now cost drivers, as first time violators of the law could be looking at a $136 ticket. A second ticket in five years carries with it a $234 fine.

"All of the distracted driving crashes and fatalities we are seeing are complexly preventable," Washington Traffic Safety commission Director Darrin Grondel said. "Washington's law is a bold step toward changing the culture of phone use in the car and we believe it will have a profound impact on making our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians."

Police officers can also issue $99 tickets for other distractions, such as grooming, smoking, eating or reading if the activity is interfering with a person’s driving and they are pulled over for another traffic offense. The patrol advises the public that cellphone violations are reported to insurance companies.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.