CA soon to enact Hands Free Driving Law

June 27th, 2008

I just realized when I went to renew my license at the DMV the other day that the Hands Free Driving law comes into effect on July 1st… Less than a week away! Anyway, while I was studying to take my driver’s test again (next time I’ll definitely remember to renew it), I saw the details and just thought I’d spread the word.

The basic law says, as of July 1st, it is illegal to drive while using a mobile phone in CA, unless it is through some form of “hands free” device . The law also sets a bar at 18 years old—if you are a driver under 18, you are not allowed to use a cell phone at all, headset or not. The minimum fine for first offenders is $20, and then $50 for subsequent convictions, but the DMV is quick to point out that this is the absolute minimum—fines can be up to three times these amounts. That would be a real expensive call! I guess the moral of the story is don’t use your cell in the car; if your state is light blue, dark blue or black, it’s probably not worth it… Or maybe just carpool more so that your friends and family can screen calls for ya.

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