The Associated Press

Law enforcement officers statewide can begin stopping and ticketing motorists this week for speaking on the phone while holding it to an ear or texting while driving.

The state’s beefed up new cell phone law kicks in Thursday. Lawmakers this past session made talking on the cell phone without a device and texting a primary offense. Drivers are now required to use devices that would make them “hands-free” while they use their phones.

No compliance means a $124 ticket. The Washington State Patrol has said there will be no grace period.

“Drivers have known this is coming,” trooper Keith Leary said.

Leary added that drivers have had time to equip themselves to go hands-free. He thinks there will be “sharp behavioral change” among drivers accustomed to talking or texting while behind the wheel. But he said that hopefully, the new law will be to cut down on distractive behavior behind the wheel.

The state Department of Licensing and State Patrol are starting a campaign Monday to get the word out on the new law.

Teenagers will have stricter regulations. New teen drivers will be banned from using their phones at all, except for emergencies. The new law will be included in the curriculum in driver’s education.

Among the materials is a public service announcement about Heather Lerch, a 19-year-old from Thurston County who died in a car crash in February. She was texting while driving, authorities determined.

“I applaud the new law,” said her mom, Wendy Lerch of Littlerock, who has participated in anti-texting campaigns.

“I don’t know if it would have prevented her death. I think this all helps people see it’s a reality. She was texting and driving and now she’s gone.”

In 2009, the State Patrol issued 1,607 tickets to drivers talking on their cell phone and an additional 236 for texting.