Hands-Free Cell Phone Device – New Law
January 5, 2008 by Doug Dillard
Filed under News
A lot of people have been asking me about the new law (SB 1613) that requires drivers to use a hands-free device when using a cell phone in their vehicle . Most people thought the law was starting on New Year’s Day… but it actually starts on July 1st, 2008.
Specifically, the law will:
- Prohibit the use of cell phones by drivers unless the driver is using a hands-free device starting July 1, 2008.
- Allow drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011.
- Allow drivers to make emergency phone calls without using a hands-free device.
- Allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use cell phone without a hands-free device.
For complete details you can go to: http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/3910/
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Lisa on Sun, 3rd Feb 2008 8:55 am
Thanks for the tip. My husband and I were just discussing that this morning and then I read your post. Good timing. I guess we are going to have to get new phones with Bluetooth technology.
Doug on Mon, 4th Feb 2008 4:06 pm
You are welcome. My wife and I have the Bluetooth technology on our phones. We just need to get the hands-free equipment so we can use the technology.
Kathy on Fri, 8th Feb 2008 4:45 pm
My husband and I have pretty much used headsets with our phones for that past year or so anyway, figuring that the law was coming…it’s great that it keeps your hands free but I still know that I’m somewhat distracted anytime I’m talking on the phone while driving, using my hands or not! So I try to keep it to a minimum, but it’s soooo tempting to just squeeze in that phone call or two when I know I’m going to be stuck in the car for a while anyway! But I try to be mindful of setting a good example for my son who is just now learning to drive – even though he will be restricted from any kind of cell phone usage while driving for a few years yet, I know I still should be sending the right message. They remember everything, don’t they?!