Hands free cel phone-Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2008

[Dizneydaz]

Just a reminder to all of those traveling to California starting at midnight tonight that you must use "hands free" technology to use your cel phone while driving if you are over 18. If you are under 18 you can't use your cel phone at all.

You can still dial your phone while driving but it's strongly rec. you don't. They can pull you over if you are holding your phone while talking. The first infraction, with fees, etc. are $76, 2nd one is $190. You can use it during emergencies-i.e. contacting emergency personnel etc, but not your kids to tell them you'll be late!

You can use Blue tooth but you can't cover 2 ears. You can also use the speaker phone option on your phone.

Regarding texting while driving, here's what the DMV says

Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.

Here's the dmv link for FAQ
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up! Safe Driving!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I wish they would pass this law in my state. They are working on it, but it's not soon enough.

 

[pixiewings71]

Actually, it's been illegal for at least a year in the LA area, it's just now going statewide. I don't have bluetooth but do have a hands free unit, what I have not been able to figure out is if I can use the hands free unit instead of bluetooth. I really don't want to have to go buy a bluetooth headset.....

 

[honeymom]

I wish they would pass this law in my state. They are working on it, but it's not soon enough.

Me, too. My oral surgeon was bike riding a couple of years ago and was hit by a dumptruck whose driver was distracted answering a cell phone. He lived, but much of his body was broken including his back and pelvis.

 

[wendypooh22]

Actually, it's been illegal for at least a year in the LA area, it's just now going statewide. I don't have bluetooth but do have a hands free unit, what I have not been able to figure out is if I can use the hands free unit instead of bluetooth. I really don't want to have to go buy a bluetooth headset.....

You can use you regular earpiece, you do not have to buy a bluetooth.

Someone posted using the speakerphone.. You can use that as long as you do not hold the phone. According to the news last night, if you are holding your phone (even on speakerphone) you can get cited.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

As long as it's handsfree, it's fine. I also want to reiterate that California is enforcing this law on everyone, not just those drivers with CA plates.

 

[avalon451]

Washington law goes into effect tomorrow, too. Hands free only. However, it's a secondary offense-- they can't pull you over just for seeing you holding a cell phone, they can only pull you over for something else and then charge you with that as well.

 

[pixiewings71]

You can use you regular earpiece, you do not have to buy a bluetooth.

Perfect!! Thank YOU!

 

[Sy-]

I love how you can't talk but you can text message. That just makes too much sense!!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

They are trying to ban texting while driving here. I know people multi task, but texting while driving is just stupid, IMHO!

 

[RudemanRB]

Actually, it's been illegal for at least a year in the LA area, it's just now going statewide. I don't have bluetooth but do have a hands free unit, what I have not been able to figure out is if I can use the hands free unit instead of bluetooth. I really don't want to have to go buy a bluetooth headset.....

Actually it's not been illegal in LA. LA has no jurisdiction on the CA Vehicle code.

You can use any hands free device, (bluetooth, wired ear piece, speaker phone. etc)

New York's had this law for almost 4 years now.

 

[GrumpySly]

Same thing here in Quebec, the law goes into effect tomorrow. It is even more restrictive, you have to have a voice activated phone. Even dialing will be illegal.

115$ fine and you lose 3 points on your permit.

 

[pixiewings71]

Actually it's not been illegal in LA. LA has no jurisdiction on the CA Vehicle code.

You can use any hands free device, (bluetooth, wired ear piece, speaker phone. etc)

New York's had this law for almost 4 years now.

Actually, according to my co-workers who live and work in LA it has been illegal and actually I have been on the phone with them when they get pulled over for it and are ticketed, I can hear the whole conversation over the phone because they don't hang up, they just tell the officer (after getting the ticket) that they will finish the conversation on the side of the road. So, unless they are faking it then officers in LA ARE giving tickets for it. And according to the police officer dh of another co-worker individual counties are able to make their own laws and give tickets. If you have more knowledgeable information then great, I'll believe you, but these are my experiences and what I'm making my comments based.

 

[disneychrista]

I love how you can't talk but you can text message. That just makes too much sense!!!

Sure if you can text hands free. The whole point of this law is that you can not use your phone while driving if you have to touch your phone. Hence the words "hands free"

 

[kylieh]

Wow, the mobile phone laws have been in for ages in Australia. Large fines and huge demerit points leading to licence loss. In my state of NSW (and probably the same for all others as we have generally uniform laws) it is illegal to operate a mobile phone while in control of a vehicle. This includes texting, and as proven in court last year, dialling a number.

 

[Corpsebride]

GOOD!! I am so sick of watching people text their friends and sway into my lane. Or while on the phone just back up with out looking behind them.I mean what is so important that you have to be on the phone so much?? Jonny got an army man stuck in his nose? I just bought new shoes? who cares!!

 

[tinkerbelt]

Actually, according to my co-workers who live and work in LA it has been illegal and actually I have been on the phone with them when they get pulled over for it and are ticketed, I can hear the whole conversation over the phone because they don't hang up, they just tell the officer (after getting the ticket) that they will finish the conversation on the side of the road. So, unless they are faking it then officers in LA ARE giving tickets for it. And according to the police officer dh of another co-worker individual counties are able to make their own laws and give tickets. If you have more knowledgeable information then great, I'll believe you, but these are my experiences and what I'm making my comments based.

It's definitely not illegal in LA...or it wasn't until today anyway.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Where I live you just get glares for using your phone. I think nothing is illegal yet.

I actually think Texting should be illegal before just talking on the phone. Texting is HORRIBLE.

 

[CalvaryMike]

I actually think Texting should be illegal before just talking on the phone. Texting is HORRIBLE.

Text messaging is ruining our kids! Talk to a school teacher about this and she'll agree.

I also find it funny that I see so many people walking around with these funny things sticking out of their ears and they think they are so cool.

What's so important that everyone needs to be on the phone all the time now?!
Hang up and drive!
Hang up and pay attention in the grocery store line!
Hang up and use the ATM!
Hang up and ______!

Sorry for the rant!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I read the first offense was $20?

I agree with the texting. I've done it, and I admit, it's hard! I'm afraid to now, seriously, I can't do both, I don't have the mind power for that stuff. And it's scary how many people get in accidents due to texting/talking on cells.