California's New Law
By Fishmomma
@Fishmomma (11658)
United States
July 1, 2008 2:24am CST
California's driving and holding a cell phone law is now in effect. The base fine for the first offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a "hands-free" device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. Is everyone ready for the new law in California?
What do the rest of you think of this law? Do you think its a good one?
2 people like this
9 responses
@raclie (1732)
• Singapore
1 Jul 08
i think that law is good as it shows the results of driving when you are talking on the phone.
i just think that it will be a better lesson than learning it the hard way...
such as driving when you are not using handson and ending up hitting others.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
1 Jul 08
My area is now sadly seeing that the law didn't arrive quickly enough. Teenagers recently lost their lives because they weren't watching the road. The new law teenagers can't drive with a cell phone at all.
@sk66rc (4250)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I actually do think it's a good idea... Having done it myself when I was younger, I do think messing with cell. phone while driving does distract you from driving... That's why I have blue tooth device... I don't like wearing it so I only use it when I'm driving...
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Thanks for being the first to reply. Many people don't want to speak about the hot topics that not everyone is happy to see become law. I am certain there will be less accidents.
@arcidy (5005)
• United States
5 Jul 08
Thats actually a good law I know that there are a lot of responsible people who can talk on the phone and drive at the same time. But Im guessing its the teenagers who ruin it a lot of teenagers especially girls are always text messiging while driving which is stupid and becaue of them they ruin it for everyone who talks on the phone while driving.
@kimbers867 (2539)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I personally think it is a good law. I know I am guilty of driving and talking while holding a phone. I try not to but sometimes I forget to pull over.
What about kids under 18?
Is there anything about texting? I know that is a big problem here in Maryland.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 Jul 08
Here are the words of the law "Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle" VC ยง23124
There are two laws that passed and one says there be no hand held cell phones used at all by any drivers, but says hands free devices can be used by adults.
Texting isn't mentioned, but I think if the teenager is holding the phone they will be pulled over by the police. You can be pulled over just for the cell phone violation.
1 person likes this
@momoftwingirls (859)
• United States
1 Jul 08
No, I am not ready for my state government to force me to pay for a product they are then, FORCING me to use while driving. I would rather not use this studid bluetooth at all. I have one, and use it, but I do NOT like it.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
1 Jul 08
The high number of accidents caused from driving and talking on the cell phone will now be reduced. I know not everyone driving has an accident talking on the phone, but my area had a very high number of accidents.
Several teenagers were recently killed in my area and witnesses saw the teenagers on their cell phones not watching the road. That could have been prevented.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I think it's high time. If people are so darned busy they have to conduct business or chat while they're driving, there's something wrong with out society--excuse me, another thing wrong!
We all need to slow down and consider the safety of others. I think they should ban them except for emergencies!
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Thank you for posting. I completely agree with you, as the high school children had them glued to their ears while driving. We have had so many accidents and the police have stated driver not watching the road. Now teenagers will be fined if they drive and talk on the phone.
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
1 Jul 08
I dont think that any one should be able to use anything at all while driving, the other day a woman nearly got run over while crossing at a zebra crossing. The driver of the car that failed to stop had a head piece or ear piece on and was too busy talking away and failed to see the pedestrian in front of them.
I dont drive as I failed my test some years ago, but I remember on my lessons how easy it was to be distracted from the road in front of me, how many hazards there are that are hidden. All the things on the road demand full attention from a driver, how can they do that if they are talking on the phone.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I agree and the freeways in California are so crowded. People need to be watching the road to prevent accidents. My husband just came home and mentioned he didn't see anyone driving with a cell phone today. I haven't heard any emergency calls at all today.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
7 Jul 08
we have the same new law here in montreal, I think it is a good thing, it will prevent some needless accidents.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Well, from one Californian here I totally love this law. My daughter has once or twice almost gotten herself in an accident while on the phone with me. She, of course, said it was the other guy's fault. I think it's great but I did forget about it and called my mom while I was driving the other day. We quickly hung up.
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
5 Jul 08
I think the fine should be greater. I do not think that 20 dollars will stop some people from talking on their phones while driving. I am from CA and I still see loads of people driving while taking on their phones. I do not drive so I can talk on my cell. In fact the other day I was with my son's girlfriend and she had me answer her phone for her and talk so she did not break the law. Koodouhs for her.
