The New Cell Phone Laws are here
Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008
by Thomas Tan
http://www.accessorygeeks.com
In California of September of 2006, Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger signed a legislation which prohibits drivers and cell phone
users from using their cell phone while driving the roads in the state of
California. This law is not to go effective until July 1, 2008.
This new Cell Phone Law prohibits cell phone usage while
driving unless it is for emergency purposes. Motorists operating a vehicle are
required to use a hands-free headset. Drivers who breach this law within
California will be fined for $20 for the first offense and $50 for each offense
after that. This new Cell Phone Law is being implemented due to the number of
increase of auto accidents occurring in California caused from cell phone usage
while driving.
There are two new Cell Phone Laws handling the issue of
using wireless telephones while driving will go into effect starting July 1,
2008.
The two new laws both enforce the usage of using cell phones
while driving, but are different in the ways it is handled. The first law prohibits
all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone, a cell phone, while
operating a motor vehicle (Vehicle Code (VC) 23123). The second law states Motorists 18 and over
may use a "hands-free device" while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 may
NOT use a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor
vehicle (VC 23124).
The two new laws apply to the person driving a motor vehicle and also to
out-of-state drivers who are driving within California even if their home
states do not have such laws. A person of the law enforcement can pull you over
any time for using your handheld wireless telephone unless the driver is using
a "hands-free device". Motorists are
allowed to dial on a wireless telephone, but for safety, it is strongly urged
not to dial while driving. Motorists are also allowed to use the speaker phone
function of wireless telephones while driving, but the push-to talk feature is
prohibited to be in usage while operating a vehicle.
The first offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. However, fines
can be more than triple the base fine amount with the addition of penalty
assessments. The DMV will not assign a violation point, but the violation is a
reportable offense and will not be added to your driving record; though the conviction
will appear on your driving record. There is no grace period when motorists
will only receive a warning. Whether a citation is issued or not is always at
the discretion of the officer based upon her or his determination of the most
appropriate remedy for the situation.
Cell phones the ruination of our privecy. You go to the lkavatory and someone is using one. Your in church it goes off. Your at the gravesite and it sounds. yes, a sign of the age. I'd like to know just what the heck theya re all talking about that is so urgent it can't wait? Good work.
