Hands-free requirement to be enforced July 1
Those accustomed to holding their cell phone to their ears while
driving will need to quickly form hands-free habits. A new
California law that goes into effect July 1 makes it illegal for
adults to use cell phones without a hands-free headset while
driving. And those under 18, can’t use cell phones at all while at
the wheel.
Hands-free requirement to be enforced July 1
Those accustomed to holding their cell phone to their ears while driving will need to quickly form hands-free habits. A new California law that goes into effect July 1 makes it illegal for adults to use cell phones without a hands-free headset while driving. And those under 18, can’t use cell phones at all while at the wheel.
Law enforcement can pull a driver over for any infraction, said Curtis Hill, San Benito County’s sheriff.
“You can expect that law enforcement, all law enforcement agencies, will be enforcing the law on that,” Hill said. “It’s meant to create a little safer flow of traffic in the community.”
Hill does not know if the new laws will result in safer roads. Adults can use other cell phone functions without a hands-free headset, he said.
“One of the flaws in this legislation is it doesn’t also prohibit you from surfing the net or sending a text message or checking e-mail,” Hill said. “I’m assuming that there will probably be some follow-up on this bill.”
For drivers under the age of 18, using a cell phone for any reason while driving is a violation of the law, Hill said.
Exceptions include emergency situations and driving on private property.
Some local residents think the new laws are a good idea.
Tamara Wentz, 17, thinks there are too many car crashes because of cell phones.
“When you’re younger, you have less experience and don’t need the distraction because of it,” she said.
Other teens mimicked her thoughts on it.
Some who rely on phones to do business while driving will need to make changes. Although Robert Postigo, a general contractor, thinks the law is a good idea, it will create some problems for him. At $300 each, hands-free devices that are compatible with his Nextels are cost prohibitive.
“I have five or six Nextels, and I’m going to have to get all new phones,” Postiago said. “Maybe mine are antiques.”
For all drivers, the fine for a first offense is $20, plus penalty assessments and court costs. Subsequent offenses will result in a $50 fine.
Penalty assessments can triple the base fine amount, according to a press release from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
People have been buying more hands-free cell phone devices, said Giovanni Alejandero, assistant manager of Radio Shack.
“We’ve been selling quite a bit of these in the last couple of months,” Alejandero said. “Personally, I’ve had a lot more customers mention do you have the Bluetooth because the law is going into effect.”
A lot of older customers purchased visor-mounted devices, Alejandero said.
Employees of some local companies already use hands-free cell phone devices.
“Our employees have been using hands-free for over a year now,” said Connie Herndon, a human resources manager for Milgard Manufacturing, Inc. “We’re buying them for them.”
Look ma, no hands!
Now that cell phones have to be hands off while driving, talkers may want to know what options are out there to stay hands free.
Members of the California State Automobile Association can purchase Plantronic brand headsets for up to $50 off. Visit www.plantronics.com/csaa for more information.
Here is a basic breakdown of the options out there, and what they will cost. If you still aren’t sure what to get, surf the Internet for user reviews or check out Business Week’s Buyer’s Guide listed below.
Installed car-kits $150-$250 Device installed into the car that uses the stereo system to hear calls through the speakers.
Portable car-kits $95-$125 portable device that usually plugs into the cigarette lighter with an integrated speaker and microphone.
Wireless headsets $45-$150 Wireless ear piece with an integrated microphone and speaker.
Wired headsets $10-40 Headsets that plug into the cell phone.
For more information on the pros and cons of each system, visit businessweek.buyerzone.com/telecom_equipment/headsets/buyers_guide1.html for a thorough buyer’s guide.
Information courtesy of www.behandsfree.com.
