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Wireless Telephone Law - Hands Free on July 1 - Are You Prepared?

By Linda S. Lane

Real Estate Agent with Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living DRE#01091347

June 25, 2008 08:01 AM

Well, it's finally coming...on July 1st all cell phone usage in our cars in California will be under the radar!

I can't believe how so many people are freaking out about this when it's for the good of all of us.

You will no longer be able to hold a phone to your ear. But (get this) you can still dial. Go figure!

You can find out more information about this new law at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm

I have to admit, I've often found it difficult to hold a phone up to my ear while driving or parking and having the person hold on the phone until I finish or tell them I'll call them back. But, people, earpieces and bluetooth devices are beautiful things. We as Realtors are constantly on our phones. They're pretty much our bread and butter to connect with our clients. Pulling off to the side of the road to talk and idle my car at $4.75/gallon for gas is a bit difficult for me to swallow. I'm sure I'll meet with some opposition about this, but, it's reality - at least for me!

I've had built-in bluetooth in my car for 3 years now and I love it - so I'm ready. My husband, a contractor, is ready with his ear piece. What about you?

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Gregory Lohr

West Columbia, SC

Check out Mercola.com and his many articles on cell phones and ear pieces. His most recent article was about how brain surgeons will not use cell phones. They see what kind of problems exist because of it. Ear pieces are even worse as it directs the radiation up the wire and directly into your ear. There is one ear piece that uses air tubes that prevent this. Check out the web site I mentioned, it is well worth the read...plus, he has a lot of info there that is worth considering.

Jun 25, 2008 08:16 AM

Danielle Childers

Capital Trust Realty - Houston, TX

so many psychological studies have shown that accidents related to cell phones has nothing to do with how many hands used, but the distraction on the mind of the actual call. I drive with one hand regardless of having a phone or not... its the emotion connected to the call that makes drivers less attentive. the law hasnt come to TX yet, but when it does... at least i'll now have a hand free to drink my coffee and my mcmuffin!

Jun 25, 2008 08:31 AM

Laurie Manny

Long Beach CA Real Estate - Long Beach, CA

I just don't understand! I have no problem juggling 2 cell phones, eating lunch, taking notes from the phone calls, reading contracts, all at the same time, while driving on the freeway at 25 miles over the speed limit. The real problem are all of the idiots on the road who keep getting in my way!

We need this law enforced.

Jun 25, 2008 06:25 PM

Linda S. Lane

Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living - Altadena, CA

I hear ya, Laurie. Tell it like it REALLY is!!

Jun 26, 2008 04:14 AM

Carolina Zepeda - REALTOR® Houston Texas Real Estate - www.carolinazepeda.com

Champions Real Estate Group - Cypress, TX

Linda, I'm not in California but I think this law benefits everyone, specially Motorolla and Phlantronics. It is easier to drive hands free, meaning on the phone, not the wheel! I have a bluetooth device and loved it!

Jun 26, 2008 09:24 AM

Charlene Hammontree

616 Realty LLC - Rockford, MI

Meeting the needs of Buyers and Sellers in MICH

I think this will be a law in most states soon!

I bought my bluethooth last month and it is still in the box. Give me a break! First blogging and now a blue tooth, I can't handle this!

I am trying not to talk while I am driving... funny how we survived without a phone attached to our hip and now ear....

Yes, I am going to the other side, see you all there! LOL

Thanks for the post!

Jun 26, 2008 11:35 PM

Nancy Larson

I am a licensed referral agent in NJ - Hutchinson Island, FL

I am from NJ and we have had the law for a time now...but the fines are not steep enough for I see 6 out of 10 cell phone users with their phones up to their ears.

Jawbone Bluetooth model is excellent. You can't hear any wind noise. You could be standing on the golf course or the busy highway and get a clear conversation like you were on a landline.

Jun 27, 2008 02:02 PM

Yeah, someone else told me about Jawbone. I'll have to check that out on my next venture to the Verizon store.

Oh, and I was in New Jersey last month visiting my brother. It was pouring rain and his wife called on the phone. She had been in an accident. As important as the call was, he was freaking out because he wasn't supposed to be on the cell phone. I'll let him know about the Jawbone, too! Thanks!!

Jun 28, 2008 03:59 AM

Doris Freeman

Zach Taylor Real Estate - Gallatin, TN

Broker/Agent, 615-961-7799

We don't have that law yet, but I also have bluetooth built-in the car but I hate it, I use a bluetooth headset

Have A Great day

Jun 29, 2008 01:42 PM

I think that the only time I DON'T like the built-in bluetooth in the car is when I want to exit the car and continue talking and my Palm Treo700p won't go from the headset mode to the regular mode and I'm stuck in the car talking. Most people hear me fine if I talk directly to the microphone 'cause if I don't they say I sound far away. I have a motorola headset and that works, too. I just can't stand the thing sitting on my ear. I guess to each his own, eh?

Jun 30, 2008 11:37 AM

Jon Michael

DeGeorge Realty LLC - Long Branch, NJ

Though big brother has no place in my car, I do agree that handsfree devices should be used when ever possible. We realtors need to talk on the phone, but we don't have to break the law to do it.

Jul 01, 2008 07:51 AM

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Linda S. Lane

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