Gary.Suk
06-06-2008, 04:35 PM
Story (http://www.knbc.com/news/16531839/detail.html?rss=la&psp=news)
LOS ANGELES -- Holding cell phones while driving will be against the law in California beginning July 1, authorities reminded Southlanders on Friday, KNBC's Vikki Vargas reported.
"According to some estimates, getting drivers' hands off the cell phones and onto the steering wheel will save almost 300 lives a year in California," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a news conference at a Caltrans facility in Eagle Rock, where he and other officials reminded motorists about the new law.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca shared his concerns about the dangers of using a hand-held cell phone while driving.
"Even I, in driving my car, have been distracted when I have the phone," Baca said. "And I'm getting more distracted when someone else is calling when I'm not using the phone. Habits have to be broken."
Starting July 1, it will be illegal for motorists to use a hand-held cell phone, and drivers younger than 18 won't be allowed to use cell phones or any other electronic devices.
"The violation occurs once you put that hand-held device up to your ear. It is a violation of the law," said Joe Farrow of the CHP.
The law has no direct reference to text messages or just dialing, but officer Rolf Trondsen said, "Really what the law says is 'using,' so if you're texting, in my opinion, you're using the device."
Motorists can still use a hand-held cell phone or other mobile device in an emergency.
The first ticket is $20, but with court fees, it's closer to $76, Vargas reported.
The hands-free rule has stores tripling their in-store stock of Bluetooth devices. CHP officials said there will be no grace period.
For drivers who cannot afford a Bluetooth device, which allows for hands-free cell use, nonprofit freeheadset.org will ship a refurbished wireless headset for about $4.
CHP officers said they expect the word to spread quickly among those who get the first tickets, and they predict there will be a wave of cell phone violating drivers.
Similar laws exist in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
LOS ANGELES -- Holding cell phones while driving will be against the law in California beginning July 1, authorities reminded Southlanders on Friday, KNBC's Vikki Vargas reported.
"According to some estimates, getting drivers' hands off the cell phones and onto the steering wheel will save almost 300 lives a year in California," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a news conference at a Caltrans facility in Eagle Rock, where he and other officials reminded motorists about the new law.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca shared his concerns about the dangers of using a hand-held cell phone while driving.
"Even I, in driving my car, have been distracted when I have the phone," Baca said. "And I'm getting more distracted when someone else is calling when I'm not using the phone. Habits have to be broken."
Starting July 1, it will be illegal for motorists to use a hand-held cell phone, and drivers younger than 18 won't be allowed to use cell phones or any other electronic devices.
"The violation occurs once you put that hand-held device up to your ear. It is a violation of the law," said Joe Farrow of the CHP.
The law has no direct reference to text messages or just dialing, but officer Rolf Trondsen said, "Really what the law says is 'using,' so if you're texting, in my opinion, you're using the device."
Motorists can still use a hand-held cell phone or other mobile device in an emergency.
The first ticket is $20, but with court fees, it's closer to $76, Vargas reported.
The hands-free rule has stores tripling their in-store stock of Bluetooth devices. CHP officials said there will be no grace period.
For drivers who cannot afford a Bluetooth device, which allows for hands-free cell use, nonprofit freeheadset.org will ship a refurbished wireless headset for about $4.
CHP officers said they expect the word to spread quickly among those who get the first tickets, and they predict there will be a wave of cell phone violating drivers.
Similar laws exist in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.