Having a car and a mobile phone is pretty common nowadays. Unfortunately, using both of them at the same time also is. You see, talking to someone over the phone while driving has pretty much the same effects as driving under the influence. While one involves the use of a mobile phone and the other the use of an alcohol beverage, the result of mixing either of the two with driving will result in either getting caught by the authorities. Even worse, you could end up finding yourself meeting an accident. So to prevent these scenarios from happening to the fine citizens of the states of California and Washington, these two states will be imposing a law that will prohibit drivers in their area from using their mobile phones while driving.

This directive will take effect on July 1 and from then on, anybody caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel will end up getting fined for it. Once the new law takes effect, California and Washington will join New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as the states that have banned the use of mobile phones while driving. Reports indicate that the states of Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana and North Carolina will follow suit.

So, in case you live in any of these areas or you end up finding yourself driving there, better make sure you have a Bluetooth headset with you. If not, then try not to answer that call you’re getting. It’s going to cost less if you wait up and call that person back rather than answer it on the spot and get caught.

Sources: Edmunds, Government Technology