The hands-free driving law has been in effect for over a month now in the states of California and Washington, and up to this point, there hasn’t been much news on how effective its been.  Just recently I caught wind of a blog that had an in-depth story of a person’s experience with the hands-free law.  Check most of the experience below:

Story of the Hands-free Law (Full story credit to:  thenewstribune.com)

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste likes to get out on the road every once in a while and do some old-fashioned police work.

Last weekend, he snared a driver and cited him for one of the state’s newest traffic laws - violating the “hands free” cell phone law.

Batiste was out Saturday at Seafair with other troopers. On his way back to Pierce County, a speeding driver zipped past the chief’s unmarked patrol car.

Batiste said he followed the car as it changed lanes and determined the driver was going about 80 mph south on Interstate 5 in the Burien area.

The chief stopped the driver about 5:10 p.m. near Highway 516.

“I stopped the kid for speeding and improper lane travel,” Batiste said. “Of course, he’s talking on his cell phone.”

Batiste said the driver instantly knew he was in the wrong.

“He couldn’t stay in his lane because he was talking on his cell phone,” the chief said. “He was paying more attention to his conversation than his driving.”

The man told Batiste he got a phone call while he was driving and answered it.

“He didn’t offer any excuses,” Batiste said. “I ended up citing him for the cell phone violation and told him to get a Bluetooth.”

Moral of the Story — Go Bluetooth!

The hands-free law is in full swing and police are backing  this law whole heartedly.  Two counties in Washington have seen this law in action as 66 people have been stopped for breaking this hands-free law.  And what is the cops advice?  Get a Bluetooth.

It’s that easy.  A Bluetooth headset can solve this problem with the police AND allow you to be a safe driver.  Gammoth has over 100 Bluetooth options and each headset is as unique as its user.  The hands-free law is here to stay and soon, I believe it will expand over the entire country.  It’s the safe way to go … it’s the only way to go … it’s Bluetooth.

On Tuesday, July 1, the states of California and Washington will be under new law — all cell phones will be banned while driving.  Citizens of these states must use hands-free devices in order to be a law-abiding citizen.  Whether using Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth Speakers, or a Bluetooth Car Kit, if you want to use your cell phone while driving, you must be hands-free.

A Look into the CA Cell Phone Driving Ban

Laws between states can be very confusing and sometimes a little overwhelming.  And while the new hands-free ban is approaching in less than a week in two more states, millions of people need to be prepared.  The best advice available whether you are in a hands-free state or not:  USE BLUETOOTH!

Here is the rundown for CA Drivers …

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. 

Follow the Law — It’s There for a Reason

You might be a firm believer in hands-free technology or you may be completely opposed to this new law, but either way, you need to  follow the law.  If you break the theory behind the law down, it truly makes sense.

Scenario 1:  You use your cell phone and drive with one hand on the wheel

Scenario 2:  You use your hands-free device with two hands on the wheel

It is pretty clear that scenario two is the safest way to drive a car AND talk on a cell phone, which is why many states are hopping on the hands-free bandwagon.  To each their own, but hands-free laws and Bluetooth devices are here to stay … so join in!

As many of you know by now, many states across the country are beginning to enact cell phone driving laws and are promoting hands-free devices.  The big cities that already have these bans in place are Washington D.C. and Chicago, while many states across the U.S. have already enacted this law.  Effective this summer, July 1, both Washington and California will be enacting the cell phone driving ban and drivers must turn to using hands-free devices (yes, even you 90210) in order to be law abiding citizens.

Cell Phone Driving Bans Across the U.S.

So, Who’s Next?

Well it is bound to happen in almost every state … so the big question is who is next to enact the cell phone driving ban?  After much research on cell phone laws and governmental affairs (well, maybe not so much …) my predictions are that Georgia (Atlanta) and Texas will be the next two states to enact such a ban.  The reasoning for this is simple.  Every major metropolitan in the country will have a ban in place once California’s law goes into effect on July 1.  Atlanta already has a mess of a freeway system due to high congestion and traffic, so the hands-free driving law might help decrease the rear-end accidents due to inattentive drivers.

Hands-Free Options

The #1 method that many people are turning to is the Bluetooth headset.  It is easy, comfortable and makes you law abiding.  From Jawbone and Plantronics, to Motorola and Nokia, you can make your Bluetooth headset as unique as you are.  For the people who don’t like wearing a headset, you can use a Bluetooth Speaker which you can clip right on your car visor and away you go.

There are many ways to start preparing for hands-free legislation, the only question is, who’s next?