June 30, 2008

• New California Driving Law Update: Cellular Phone Use While Driving

  July 1st is just around the corner and that means
  it’s time for a major change in the lives of many California drivers.
  Why? Because beginning July 1st, the new CA state law addressing
  electronic device (cell phones, laptops, text messaging, etc.) use
  while driving goes into effect.

  So what does this update to the CA Vehicle Code mean for Californian drivers? That all depends on your age.

  For Minors (under the age of 18)
  Sorry
  teens, but you won’t be allowed to operate ANY electronic device while
  you are driving a motor vehicle. That includes no cellular phones, no
  sending text messages, no PDA's, etc. In addition, minors are not
  allowed to be driving even if their phone is hands-free. Only time a
  phone may be used in exception to this new law: if there is a true
  emergency.

  
  For Adults (over the age of 18)
  You
  will still be able to use your cell phone in your vehicle if you use a
  hands-free device. So if you're planning to talk on the road, you’ll
  want to equip yourself with a Bluetooth device or another hands free
  technology.

  
  The Why
  It’s easy to understand why the state of California does not want
  drivers traveling around and talking on the phone at the same time.
  Driving while distracted greatly increases your chance of getting into
  an auto collision. In fact, 4,300 auto accidents a day are the result
  of distracted driving. And when it comes to teens, a largely
  inexperienced group of drivers, driving distracted is even more
  catastrophic. According to a California Department of Motor Vehicles
  study, teen drivers failed 54% of driving tasks (such as avoiding a
  swerving vehicle) while talking on a cell phone!

  The Penalty
  
  What’s the punishment for violating this new CA cell phone law? A base
  fine of $20 for first offenders and then an additional $50 for each
  subsequent offense. The base fine does not include any court
  administrative fees. So when it's all said and done, you’re looking at
  a fine of up to $250.

  • 1:27 pm
  • 1 Comment