It’s time to put away those cell phones and pick up an ear-piece. I know many of you are panicking over the new cell phone restrictions, so it’s time to know your rights! Starting today, July 1st, talking on your cellphone while driving is illegal. You’ve had nearly two years to prepare for this day people, so go get yourself an ear piece already, hands-free set, whatever.
Here is a rundown of some of the new rules for talking on your cell phone and driving. The new law states that if you’re 18 or older, you are prohibited from holding a phone and talking while driving. If you’re 16 or 17, the only time you can use a cellphone while driving is in an emergency. That means no more teens on their phones, PERIOD. The tickets prices aren’t too bad, at first. The first offense will result in a $20 ticket, and subsequent citations are $50 apiece. But with court costs and penalties, the true costs of those tickets are $76 and $190, respectively.
Also know that 4th of July weekend the new laws go into effect just days before the California Highway Patrol goes on “maximum patrol” for the weekend. That means 80% of CHP officers will have their eyes on you and your cellphone.
So, with this new law, know your rights! Here are some some things you should know about the new law…
- It is not illegal to hold your phone or make a phone call as long as you are using a hands free set. The new law mentions nothing about holding your phone, only speaking on it.
As it turns out, you are allowed to touch the phone to make a call or take one, said Mike Marando, a spokesman for the state Department of Motor Vehicles. “As long as you don’t hold the phone to carry the conversation,” he added.
- Test Messaging is not technically illegal, it only is if it disrupts your driving. Although sorry youngsters, the 16-17 year old’s still aren’t allowed to use their phones. The law that covers adults is, again, silent on the issue, even though we all know that texting requires much more time, effort and swerving than talking on your phone. Nothing has been said about it, most likely because it’s too hard to regulate.
But Tom Marshall, a CHP spokesman, said, “If you are text messaging and we see it’s affecting your driving, we can still pull you over” for distracted driving.
Police actually cite you for what happens as a result of being inattentive, such as impeding traffic or an improper lane change.
- Getting a cellphone ticket will not cause a higher insurance rates, YET. There’s a chance it could eventually. Cellphone violations won’t result in any points being tacked onto your driving record, but the tickets are still on your driving record.
For more on this check out LATimes.com
Photo by Mike “Dakinewavamon” Kline
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