It is now illegal for motorists to send or receive text messages while driving in Washington state. Doing so can result in a $124 ticket.
It is also illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These penalties are more severe, with fines and fees ranging from $823 to $5,000, plus jail time, license suspension, mandatory programs and other social or financial penalties.
This is an example of unequal justice, and another case of where the punishment doesn't fit the crime. I am, of course, baiting the reader. I do not favor lessening DUI penalties, as people continue to drive drunk in the face of overwhelming evidence that it is very stupid behavior.
Rather, it is clear the penalty for Driving While Texting (DWT) is something of a joke. It is one of those laws (such as the upcoming wireless-cellphone requirement) where the cops are not allowed to nail a motorist for the infraction. Instead, they must pull over the allegedly guilty party for some other violation and then write the texting ticket. ...
