Jeff, over here it is a violation in D.C., but not in Virginia, so you've got to change things up as soon as you cross the bridge over the Potomac River!

Hey Jeff,

Good info, we/I knew it was coming yet I had no idea of the fines. Now if I could just figure out how to text with my toes!

Jeff - I've really enjoyed having my cell phone finally sync with my Lexus - it's so easy to take calls, just click the button on the steering wheel and have conversations by speakerphone.

Brian - I thought it was an issue there.

Lynda - LOL. Interestingly the law does NOT address texting. They do say that an officer can pull you over if they felt you were not driving safely while texting. They don't recommend it at any speed.  Seems like a contradcition to me.

Jeff 

Sharon - now that IS convenient, and so much safer. The challenge, though, is the dialing I would think unless you can do so by voice command.

Jeff 

jeff, hands free has been the rule here in Connecticut for over a year now.  I am still trying to get use to putting my ear piece on when I get in the car.

Hi Jeff,What devise are you using to be in compliance. I am investigating a very neat small device I saw at Costco but looking around at other things. Remember the old car phone? That must have been in the 80's because I had one installed in my Seville. I just can't recall much about dialing it?,lol Come to think of it, I think it was operator assisted?

Jeff,

I know in NY where I use to live you get a big ticket for not having your bluetooth or speaker working hands free but in FL they haven't come out with that law change that I know of but I do use mine anyway....too many people crashing and driving slow.

I often wonder...is it the talking on or the holding of? I understand the desire to keep people safe, but often wonder, what's next? Will they tell us we can't eat or drink while driving? Can't talk to the passengers or listen to music? First came seatbelt requirements...other things will surely follow. Sometimes I think it's more about revenue than safety. I'm not against doing things to increase my personal safety or the safety of those around me, but I don't particularly like being told that I must do these things when some of it should be my personal choice. Heck, in Illinois you can still ride a motorcycle without a helmet. How's that for screwy?

This law is well overdue!  I wish we had one in the works here in NC.  Yikes, I just realized my daughter who lives in CA will be lost without her ability to talk while driving.  I guess I better get her bluetooth!

Jeff,

Thank goodness for blue tooth technology!

Is it OK to use your tablet while driving? ... just kidding!

George - I suspect I will have the same issue, as will others. I used to use a blue tooth device but have not for several years since it died. Time to get a new one.

Jeff 

William - well I do have a phone I got at the CAR convention last year but am not really happy with it. I need to investigate some things, and soon.

Jeff 

Neal -well I think that;s why it is now law here. There are so many cell phone users and many really are pretty bad drivers when they are on the phone. I try not to use my phone in the car and often pull over. BUt I need to get with the program soon.

Jeff 

Kelly - well you ask some good questions. There are lots of inconsistencies in the laws. I think some things make sense, but not sure it all does. 

Jeff 

Diane - you know, we ALL survived for years without cell phones. And yes, things have changed and we have all gotten accustomed to having instant communication with folks no matter where we are. But one has to wonder...

Jeff 

Margaret - well, there is no law against it. Nor against text messaging. LOL

Jeff 

Jeff, So how do think I am writing this comment?

This will be a tough transition for me, but certainly safer for others.  You should see me talk on the phone...better yet, you should see how I drive!!  LOL!~  :-)

Oh, Margaret, you are naughty. LOL

Jeff 

True for many of us, Brad. But then the new law is not likely to change the driving habits. The problem is being on the phone and talking and not paying attention, NOT the fact that it is handheld or not, IMO.

Jeff 

I have bluetooth and that's fine. What cracks me up is seeing law enforcement officials chatting on cell phones while driving down the road. 

Jeff, I was just kidding this time but I drive really well with my knee. That way I can be 'hands free'!

I agree with Jay - I see more cops using their cells than I think is safe.

Jay - well it will be interesting to see what happen when the law changes. or are they immune?

Rosemary - agreed. And how about not using turn signals, and other naughty things.

LOL, Margaret - I am pretty "handy" with my knee too!

Jeff 

The state of Washington has basically the same law coming at the same time. Your point about the fines and the secondary fines reminds me of life growing up in Montana... back when they had Conservation Tickets for speeding on the freeway. If you were going across the state for a concert (not uncommon to drove 2 to 4 hours for a shopping trip in those days) we would figure out how many tickets we could afford with our meager savings LOL