We’ve all seen them: drivers with one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding a cell phone to the side of their head, gabbing away while trying to negotiate traffic. California is one of several states which intend to crack down on the use of mobile phones in vehicles, and beginning July 1 will enact a new law to require drivers to use a hands-free device when calling from their car.
The California State assembly passed two new laws (SB 1613 and AB 33) to prohibit mobile phone use while driving an automobile, unless a hands free or wireless (Bluetooth-type) device is used to make the call. Further, one of the new laws prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone in a vehicle, even hands-free and wireless devices.
Both of the new laws were authored by California Senator Joe Simitian, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed them into law in the fall of 2006. California lawmakers are warning the public that they will have no “grace period.” Both laws will go into effect on July 1, and local police authorities have been instructed to enforce them aggressively.
Initially, the fine for using a non-hands-free cell phone in a vehicle will be set at $20 statewide, though these fees are likely to increase considerably over time. Second and third offences will result in doubled and tripled finds according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Of course, the new California law is good news for manufacturers of hands-free devices. Currently, there are three different types of options for drivers to talk while keeping both hands on the wheel: wired ear pieces, wireless earpieces (such as Bluetooth technology), and using the speakerphone option available on many cell phones.
The law is expected to have the greatest impact on younger drivers, especially students who have grown accustomed to conversing with friends on the phone while driving. And although hands-free cell phone devices have come down in price significantly over the years, students may be hit hardest by the extra expense of purchasing a Bluetooth or other hands-free device.
Although the new California laws completely prohibit holding a cell phone while driving, dialing a number or even scrolling through a list of contacts is still permissible according to legal experts. This means, among other things, that sending and receiving text messages while driving is still perfectly legal.
This seems like an obvious oversight on the part of California lawmakers. The attention and skill required to type and send a text message is at least as distractive to the driver as holding a phone to the side of their head. Presumably, it won’t be long until states began passing “driving while text messaging” laws.
Needs a little refining I would say..THe biggest problem with cel phone users is..if they drop the phone it is human nature to retrieve it..Also upsetting conversations leads to emotions and not paying attention..But that is elementary..carol stanley author”’ Fof Kids 59.99 and Over..
Comment by carol stanley — June 28, 2008 @ 11:45 am