Other new laws that take effect Sunday: —Prosecutors will be able to file felony charges if a person gets a fourth DUI within 10 years. Under the new law, offenders would be sent to prison for 13 to 17 months, rather than serve shorter sentences in county jails. —Courts will be allowed to issue permanent…

Starting this Sunday, July 23rd Washington drivers will have to put down their phones or else face tougher penalties under a new distracted driving law. Texting or holding a phone to your ear is already against the law in the state, but the new measure now prohibits anything else that requires drivers to hold their…

Attorney Paul Hanson was pleased to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Judges at the Snohomish County District Court (South Division) in Lynnwood, WA for his volunteer attorney services at the court’s annual LAW DAY events. Now in its 31st year, Law Day was founded when several South Division court employees and Lynnwood attorney…

In mid July, 2017, drivers will no longer be able to hold any electronic device (cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices) in their hands while driving. Not even while stopped in traffic or while waiting for a traffic light to change. It replaces the current Washington law which on prohibits texting or holding a…

The 2017 Washington Legislature has recently passed a bill that completely bans holding a cell phone, or any electronic device, while driving or being stopped in traffic. The bill will also double the fine for a 2nd and subsequent offenses within 5 years. This changes the current law which only bans talking, with the phone…

This week the Washington State Patrol is looking for tailgaters. Drivers following too close to the vehicle in front of them are more likely to get an infraction ticket during this emphasis patrol. The standard ticket penalty is $136.00.  But if the driver causes an accident for following too close, then then penalty will be $187.00. The WSP…

Seattle police officers will soon be wearing body cameras to record all interactions with those they contact while on duty. A dozen officers in the Department’s bicycle squad were the first ones, beginning in late December 2016. Eventually all 850 officers will be wearing them by the end of 2017. When the body camera is…

Drivers who stay in the left lane instead of just using it for passing may soon face a stiffer penalty. Washington State law makers are considering a new bill in this 2017 legislation would raise the ticket fine from $136 to $181.  State law allows drivers to drive in the left lane only if they…

A proposed law is being considered in Washington State that would increase distracted driving ticket penalties. Currently the fine for cell phone use while driving is $124, and it is not reported to your insurance company. The “Text Messaging Law” (RCW 46.61.668) prohibits sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving. The “Cell Phone Law” (RCW 46.61.667) prohibits hand-held wireless…

New 2016 DUI Ignition Interlock Device (IID) laws have recently gone into effect in Washington. Until recently, convicted DUI drivers under a one year Ignition Interlock Device requirement did not have to actually install the required IID in their vehicle until the last four months of their one year IID period. Under the new 2016…