Dear West Coasters,

The cell phone ban is coming … and it is approaching quick!  Starting July 1, 2008, if you are living in the State of California, you will have a new law to follow:  NO DRIVING WHILE USING A HANDHELD CELL PHONE!  Believe it or not, this law is coming and all of California will be affected.

Here are the details of this Hands-free legislation:

18 and older:  If you must talk on a cell phone while driving, you absolutely have to use a hands-free device beginning July 1, 2008.  If you break the law, your first offense will cost you $20 and it will be $50 for each subsequent conviction.  Additional fees may also be applied.

Younger than 18:  It is pretty simple for you … cell phones are completely banned.  You may not use a cell phone while driving and you may not text or use laptops.  This is a strict law and if you are under 18 and using a cell phone while driving, you will be fined.

Other Notes Regarding Hands-Free Cell Phone Law

Emergencies:  If you are in an emergency, it is ok to make emergency calls to police, healthcare providers, fire departments or other emergency agencies.  By all means, do this!

Points:  No points against driver’s licenses will be assessed.

Passengers:  Are allowed to use any type of cell phone while in the car.

PUSH-TO-TALK Device:  These devices are ok for those people who are licensed to operate a truck tractor or motor truck.

It is important to know that this law has been passed and will be effective July 1, 2008 in California.  In order to follow the law, drivers will have to use hands-free devices.  Getting your device before the law comes into effect will allow you to adjust to using a hands-free device and increase your comfort level with the device.  It will also increase your safety as a driver because you will be able to drive with two hands on the wheel.

Look at Hands-free Cell Phone Laws Across the Country

 
 

Hands-Free Options

There are many options for using a hands-free device.  You can use a Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth Speaker, or even a Bluetooth Car Kit.  Whatever device you feel most comfortable with is your best option.   The good thing that comes with all of them is that they allow you to keep two hands on the wheel and keep you as a law-abiding citizen.  Check out these options:

Motorola MotoPURE H12 Bluetooth Headset  

The Motorola MotoPURE H12 puts the noise on hold so your voice will be heard. The first headset to feature CrystalTalk, the new Motorola MOTOPURE H12 is the future of audio technology, delivering maximum audio performance in even the noisiest environments. The MotoPURE H12 CrystalTalk with dual microphones is designed to cancel background and wind noise, enhance your voice and channel pure, clear audio directly into your ear and experience the difference. The Motorola MOTOPURE H12 is an auricular masterpiece designed to look as it feels. Minimalist design diamond-cut alloys integrate perfectly with TrueComfort engineering. Three min cushion, molded ear-bud and secure ear hook combine to create a unique personal fit. A full set of carrying and charging accessories make the Motorola MOTOPURE H12 ideal for everyday users.

BlueAnt Supertooth Light  

The BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth speaker is a convenient hands-free solution for your car, office or home. Thanks to full duplex speakers and noise/echo cancellation technologies, the BlueAnt Supertooth offers incredibly high quality audio and much higher volume than is available on most other speakerphones. A simple interface with adjustable volume, large Accept and End/Reject call buttons, and a charge indicator light make the BlueAnt Supertooth exceptionally easy to use, especially when you’re focused on other tasks, such as driving.

Other key features include:
· Support for voice-dial enabled devices
· Last number redial
· Ability to pair with up to 5 different devices
· Magnetic clip to car visor
· Wall charger and car charger included with device

Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS   

Bluetooth Car kits from Parrott allow you to experience hands-free conversation safely and wire-free. Turn on your car engine and your phone connects wirelessly to the car kit. The LCD display allows you to view your phonebook and identifies incoming calls. The Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS must be hardwired into vehicle audio system. Professional installation with vehicle electrical and audio wiring schematics is required. Harnesses not provided. Includes color LCD display, GPS capability and Parrott universal radio mute unit. The Parrott Bluetooth Car Kit 3400 LS-GPS is compatible with all Bluetooth capable phones. It does not include an antenna connection.

Features:
· LCD Screen/keypad: 64 x 58 x 20 mm (without antenna) – Weight: 60g
· Bluetooth hands-free kit with color screen and active GPS Antenna for 12 channels
· LCD Color screen
· 160 x 128 pixels, 262144 colors
· Adjustable brightness and contrast
· Customized color interface with wallpapers
· Caller photo display
· Display of the last numbers dialed, missed calls and calls received
· Echo cancellation
· Voice recognition up to 150 names
· Hi-fi polyphonic ringtones

***UPDATE 4-9-2008***  crave.cnet.com recently wrote the article “Survey finds CA drivers spotty on cell phone driving ban.”  It claimed that nearly half of all California drivers are unaware when the ban kicks in and what it all entails.  Please be informed consumers and know that the cell phone ban is coming no matter what … now you just need to go hands-free.  If you would like to see the rest of this article, please click here.

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Tags: California, California Hands-Free Cell Phone Ban, Cell Phone Ban, Cell Phone Bans, Cell Phone Laws, Hands-free Driving Ban, July 1 2008

This entry was posted on Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 3:22 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.