Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste likes to get out on the road every once in a while and do some old-fashioned police work.

Last weekend, he snared a driver and cited him for one of the state's newest traffic laws - violating the "hands free" cell phone law.

Batiste was out Saturday at Seafair with other troopers. On his way back to Pierce County, a speeding driver zipped past the chief's unmarked patrol car.

Batiste said he followed the car as it changed lanes and determined the driver was going about 80 mph south on Interstate 5 in the Burien area.

The chief stopped the driver about 5:10 p.m. near Highway 516.

"I stopped the kid for speeding and improper lane travel," Batiste said. "Of course, he's talking on his cell phone."

Batiste said the driver instantly knew he was in the wrong.

"He couldn't stay in his lane because he was talking on his cell phone," the chief said. "He was paying more attention to his conversation than his driving."

The man told Batiste he got a phone call while he was driving and answered it.

"He didn't offer any excuses," Batiste said. "I ended up citing him for the cell phone violation and told him to get a Bluetooth."

Through July 15, troopers in Pierce and Thurston counties had contacted 37 drivers who were talking on their cell phones and driving.

Of those, 18 received tickets and 19 received verbal warnings.