Just a friendly reminder…

 

There are a few important traffic safety laws that take effect July 1. SB 33 prohibits teens from using cell phones or any other “mobile service devices” while driving and SB 1613 prohibits all other adults from using a cell phone while driving unless they use a hands-free speaking and listening system.

Below is more detailed information about the two laws:

--  Cell Phones and Driving. SB 1613 prohibits the use of handheld cellular telephones while driving. Starting July 1, 2008, an adult driver may use a cell phone only if it has a hands-free listening and speaking system. Drivers ticketed for a violation will be subject to a fine of at least $70 (base fine plus penalties) for a first offense and at least $175 (base fine plus penalties) for subsequent offenses. 

--  Teen Drivers and Cell Phones. SB 33 prohibits drivers under age 18 from using any cell phone or other "mobile-service device" while driving, even if it is equipped with a hands-free device.

The term "mobile-service device" includes, but isn't limited to, a broadband personal-communication device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop computer with mobile-data access, pager and two-way messaging device. Teen drivers ticketed for a violation will be subject to a fine of at least $70 (base fine plus penalties) for a first offense and at least $175 (base fine plus penalties) for subsequent offenses.

So now that you know the laws, what happens if you get caught on a cell phone while driving? The new California driving law will impose a fine of $20 for a first-time offense and a $50 fine for each additional offense. The bill allows exceptions for calls to law enforcement agencies for emergency purposes, or emergency services personnel while operating an authorized emergency vehicle.

 

To avoid being penalized for talking on your phone while driving, here are a few ways you can become “hands-free.” Your options are:

• Abstinence (don’t use your cell phone while driving)
• Speaker phone (but you'll have to yell so the person you're talking to can hear you)
• Bluetooth wireless device (those are the devices that you see people walking around with stuck in their ear)
• “Wired” headset (cheapest, use the ear buds that came with your phone when you purchased it).