California Bans Cell Phone Use While Driving

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign a bill today that bans handheld cell phone use while driving. California will be the fourth state to put such a ban in place. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have similar bills. Californians have a while to adjust to the new law, though; it won’t go into effect until July 1, 2008. The law will allow for cell phone use with hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets. Fines for breaking the new law will be $20 for the first offense and $50 every time after, but none of the tickets will impact the driver’s insurance. Many cars sold today feature their own built-in hands-free devices, and we’d expect that by July 2008 many more vehicles will come with the technology standard.

[Handheld phone ban for drivers, San Francisco Chronicle]

Comments

[Happymantis]

Why does the picture show military personnel driving while using the phone?

[Eor]

Also... what is she up to? Look at those shifty eyes.

[J]

This is a great step forward to make the roads a bit safer. Aren't we all freaked out when the next lane driver moving toward your lane while on the phone.

[Dave T.]

Happy,
That's the problem with using a google image search. but I think it was a similar law on military bases in the story related to that picture. but tell the truth I didn't even realize she was wearing camo!

[CellphoneSavant]

I think this is a very good thing. Too many accidents.

[friend]

subliminal messages

[government conspiracy]

it is a vast government conspirarcy, the govnment wants us to join the milatary so they can control us and make soylent green out of every one who isnt military personal. if only everyone ate green frosting.

[Dude]

when did the governator sin the bill on cell phone use while driving?

[Bob]

The use of cell phones has reallly become controversial and sometimes even hampering personal communications. By the way I don't cary mobile phones. I think there was a recent study that said it may have negative effect on brain after usage of 10-20 years. I am not sure, but the reason we don't hear about these things very much is because the cell phones have not been around that long. But there is a study which says that CELL PHONE USE IS ASSOCIATED WITH DECLINE IN FERTILITY. It appears in today's HULIQ at http://www.huliq.com/338/cell-phone-use-associated-with-decline-in-fertility and is from American Society for Reproductive Medicine

[blech]

That picture is totally contrived. No one ever looks in their mirrors or to their side when drifting out of their lanes and cutting you off while talking on their cellphone.

[Hellsale]

Ya the pictures looks like she is really up to something. http://driversedofcalifornia.com

[James Jesus Angleton]

I have a mobile phone not a cell phone, so you can't stop me copper!!!

I agree with the conspiracy person

[Janet Birchfield]

It is simply insane to think that anything other than 2 hands and 1 brain on the wheel is fine to do inside a bullet speeding at anywhere from 50 to 100 mph. Here's today's illustration. This child is dead.

[Suzy]

HAHA this is stupied but there are alot of accidents!!!

[John L.]

I just have one HUGE problem about this law... I, as a California driver, now have no way of knowing if a driver with a headset is actually talking on their cell phone. And let us admit it... talking on the cell phone while driving, with or without a headset, takes away the driver's attention.

The only way I could determine if a driver with a cell phone would be a danger to me was to see if they have their cell phone held up to their ear.

What CA government should have done was banning cell phones from all Class C drivers while driving. So when any one of them is breaking the law by having their cell phone held up to their ear, everyone else can see that and distance themselves from that driver.

[John L.]

I just have one HUGE problem about this law... I, as a California driver, now have no way of knowing if a driver with a headset is actually talking on their cell phone. And let us admit it... talking on the cell phone while driving, with or without a headset, takes away the driver's attention.

The only way I could determine if a driver with a cell phone would be a danger to me was to see if they have their cell phone held up to their ear.

What CA government should have done was banning cell phones from all Class C drivers while driving. So when any one of them is breaking the law by having their cell phone held up to their ear, everyone else can see that and distance themselves from that driver.

[Monica]

I feel like this is a decision made strictly to further protect citizen’s lives. I do support this law. I am guilty of using my cell phones while driving. It is just a habit. However, I would be less concerned with making a call while driving if there was a law against it. Hopefully others will respect this law too. Other sates are considering enforcing a law like this one. I think that would be a good decision as well. If one state can see the dangers this situation causes others should too. Yes, some states have more congested traffic than others. Yet, the principle of this law is still the same. A cell phone distracts someone from concentrating on the road. There are laws on the age to drive, seatbelts being worn, and speed limits. It seems slightly like an invasion of privacy, to tell someone what they can so in their car. This is regarding the safety of others though.

[Weenie Soap]

I just have one HUGE problem about this law... I, as a California driver, now have no way of knowing if a driver with a headset is actually talking on their cell phone. And let us admit it... talking on the cell phone while driving, with or without a headset, takes away the driver's attention.

The only way I could determine if a driver with a cell phone would be a danger to me was to see if they have their cell phone held up to their ear.

What CA government should have done was banning cell phones from all Class C drivers while driving. So when any one of them is breaking the law by having their cell phone held up to their ear, everyone else can see that and distance themselves from that driver.

John L.

I just wanna say whoever wrote this is an iddiot.... and a pickle pirate

[Guy lefere]

What about using a C.B. radio? Is that legal in California? Can I take picture with a camera while driving in a scenic route? How about using the A/C or radio/CD controls? Can I sing in the car while driving if I am bored? Where does it stop? Its funny though how law enforcement is still allowed to use their cell phones and computers while driving. Is it better training? Can an average citizen get certified to use a cell phone while driving? What happen to freedom in this country?possible

[Kyle]

I jsut got a ticket for using my cell phone. What the don't tell you is the $20 fine is only 14% of the cost. They add an additional 85% in taxes. My ticket's actual cost was $131.00. When are Californina's going to stand up and take a stand for no more taxes!!