The days of holding a cell phone to your ear while driving are nearly over.

It’s about time.

Gov. Chris Gregoire recently signed into law that will make it a primary offense to be caught holding a cell phone to your ear while driving, or to be reading, writing or sending text messages.

The new law kicks in on June 10.

If you’re caught, police can immediately pull you over for texting or talking without a headset. It’s a $124 ticket.

For now, the law is only a secondary offense, which means you can get slapped with the extra fine if you have been pulled over for another infraction, like speeding. Last year, under current law, more than 1,607 people received tickets for using a cell phone without a headset, said state patrol Sgt. Freddy Williams. More than 230 people were ticketed for texting while driving.

“This is a public safety issue,” Gregoire said just before signing the bill.

We agree.

A ticket won’t become part of your record and dialing a phone is not considered text messaging.

The new law exempts transit and emergency vehicle personnel, as well as anyone who is text messaging or calling and not using a headset to report illegal activity or summon emergency help. People who are using a hearing aid or operating a tow truck are also exempt.

It also outlaws any cell phone use – even with a headset – by a driver with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license, which is given to drivers under 18 years old.

Your car isn’t a phone booth — it’s a car.

Concentrate on the driving.