OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A new law took effect Thursday, banning teens in Washington state under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.
The measure was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in May.
Users of tanning equipment will now have to show a driver's license or other form of government-issued identification with a birth date and photograph. Tanning facilities that allow people under age 18 to use a tanning device could be fined up to $250 per violation. The measure allows teenagers to use a tanning bed or related device if they have a doctor's prescription.
California, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, Vermont and Oregon ban the use of tanning beds for all minors under 18, and at least 33 states and the District of Columbia regulate the use of tanning facilities by minors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
