Cellphone use fines could double while driving in school zone

OLYMPIA – Using a cellphone while driving in a school zone could cost you nearly double under a bill passed Tuesday by the House.

On a 97-0 vote, the House sent the Senate a proposal to increase fines from $139 to $237 for the first offense of operating a cellphone or any handheld electronic devices in a school zone, playground or crosswalk. Subsequent infractions are already $237.

The law covers holding the device in either or both hands; using a hand or finger to compose, send, read or view mail or messages; or watching a video on an electronic device. It also includes times when the vehicle is stopped in traffic, at a light or stop sign, or for momentary delays.