California drivers recently rushed to get Bluetooth and other hands-free phone equipment due to a circulating email announcing that new hands-free cell phone laws would be going into effect in the state as of today. Turns out that they have another year to worry about it; California is indeed enacting a ban on cell phone use while driving but the ban doesn’t go into effect until July 1st … of 2008. When it does happen, it’ll make California the 4th state (and 5th area, counting D.C.) to implement the ban; 35 other states are also considering it.
Source: Broadband Reports
Also related, the Snopes.com 2007 California Traffic Laws debunked.
Yes, the law does go into effect next year, but keep in mind that CHP officers have begun to pull over cell phone-using drivers to warn them about the upcoming law. So, if you don’t want to be inconvenienced or scared ****less by being pulled over by the CHP, get some sort of hands-free device now.
Awesome point, James!
I bought my headset right around when the assembly passed the law, even though it wasn’t going to be in effect until next year. I vastly prefer using it to using the phone itself. MUCH easier to talk on it, than use the phone. I use it when I’m not driving.
What’s the big deal about getting one anyway? Why not?
@Don: I definitely agree. It’s not a big deal.
I can hardley wait!! Los angeles has some of the worst drivers so this new law is definately a step in the right direction.