California Cell Phone Law
Want to use your cell phone while driving? Well, you better not while driving in California. In fact, a new California cell phone law is serving as a model for other states concerned about the unsafe practices of drivers who are distracted by their phones.
Under the California cell phone law, which takes effect in July, 2008, drivers will be prohibited from using a cell phone while driving unless they use a hands free device. Violations will cost the driver $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent transgression. There are exceptions built in to the law for use of cell phones during emergencies, use of “push to talk” features and use of cell phones by emergency personnel.
California joins a number of states, including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Washington in passing legislation aimed at addressing the safety issues associated with cell phone use while driving. Many local jurisdictions have passed similar bans. Lawmakers in these states and localities argue that reducing distractions will reduce accidents – and potential fatalities.
Not all states are willing or able to pass legislation similar to the California cell phone law, however. Cell phone enthusiasts, some carriers and some electronics companies oppose these efforts, arguing that talking while driving provides no more distractions than changing the radio dial or having a passenger. Laws restricting the use of cell phones do little, they argue, to reduce distractions and can, in fact, limit use of cell phones in true emergency situations. Further, they suggest, law enforcement officers already have the ability to pull people over for reckless driving, and cell phone use that causes distractions of that magnitude would certain qualify under these existing statutes.
Still other states and localities are seeking to address the problem by restricting the activities of certain classes of drivers, such as school bus drivers, transit workers, or younger drivers. These laws are similar to the California cell phone law in that they prohibit the use of phones without a hands-free device. Some go even further in prohibiting any conversation, hands-free or not, while others target other unsafe activities, such as texting while driving.
In response to the California cell phone law (as well as the laws of other jurisdictions), cell phone manufacturers are taking extra efforts to improve the hands free features of their devices. You can compare the benefits and features of these devices at a site like www.behandsfree.com.
What does the California cell phone law mean for you? Good question. If you ever find yourself driving across state or locality boundaries, you’ll certainly want to know if you’re in a “hands free zone” or not. In many cases, it will be safest (both for your driving as well as your pocketbook), to practice hands free cell phone dialing regardless of the laws of the state or jurisdiction in which you’re driving.
In fact, hands free features should also be a consideration in the purchase of any cell phone. For the business person on the go who always finds him or herself on a conference call while driving, a very reliable, very comfortable, possibly wireless device might be the best option. For example, the Bluetooth compatible earpieces might be useful (but only if your cell phone is Bluetooth enabled!) For those with limited needs, the wired earpieces provided with your phone might suffice.
The important thing to remember is that the California cell phone law may be just the tip of the iceberg. Now would be a great time to explore hands free options – and pick the one that works for you!
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