OLYMPIA, Wash. -- New laws and taxes are kicking into effect in Washington starting July 1.

Driving while holding a cell phone could now add $124 to a ticket when a driver is stopped for another offense. Drivers should use a speakerphone or hands-free device to keep their hands on the wheel.

In the Everett-Lynnwood area, Washington State Troopers were watching for drivers engaged in cell phone conversations.

Critics of the new law said using hands-free devices are even more unsafe than talking with a phone to one’s ear, but police said they believe it’s better to have both hands on the steering wheel.

In six months officials will look at statistics for phone-related crashes.

VIDEO: Some Online Retailers Collecting Wash. Sales Tax

The gasoline tax goes up a penny-and-a-half to 37.5 cents. This is the last step of a 9.5 cent increase that has been phased in since 2005 to pay for nearly 300 specific projects.

In addition, Washington is now one of 18 states that require some online retailers to collect the sales tax. The law also alters the way taxes are calculated. If you shop in a store, you pay the tax rate where the store is located. But if you have goods delivered to your home, you pay the tax of where you live.

About 1,100 online retailers have volunteered to collect the tax, and in return, Washington promises not to sue them for back taxes they might have owed.

The switch comes after a state law was passed last year.