Should Repeat Talk and Text Offenders Receive a Higher Fine?

Drivers who continually text and talk behind the wheel could face higher fines, if some in the legislature have their way.

Currently, a driver caught texting or talking on a cell phone while driving pays a $124 fine, regardless of how many citations received.

And the number of offenders is growing. Last year, the Washington State Patrol issued 8,000 citations and 10,000 warnings to drivers caught on their cell phones behind the wheel.

Because the citation fee doesn’t increase with the number of offenses, Washington isn’t eligible for Congressional grants supporting local transportation.

However, officials with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission would like to see that change and bring in more funding—increasing fine amounts could be a topic of discussion at the next legislative session.

Read more on the Tacoma News Tribune.

Do you think drivers should pay more for texting and talking on a cell phone behind the wheel? Tell us in the comments.