If you live in California it's time to start that new re-training program because if you use your cell phone - PDA or Blackberry while driving you will be ticketed.
There are actually two laws that will take effect on that date.
One specifically targets those drivers Under the age of 18. They will be prohibited from using ANY WIRELESS DEVICE while driving a car. The other law will prohibit those Over the age of 18 from using any HAND-HELD WIRELESS DEVICE while driving but Allowing them to use a HANDS-FREE DEVICE while driving.
But what if you need to use your cell phone because of an emergency? You may use your cell phone to call for emergency assistance such as law enforcement, fire, ambulance or any emergency service provider.
While you may not receive a ticket if you are stopped (that depends on the violation and the officers viewpoint) it could cost you $20 for the first offense and $50 for any subsequent offenses. There could be some other penalties and assessments, but that clearly depends on the seriousness of the violation. These violations will appear on your driving record although no penalty will be assessed. Just remember your insurance carrier will see this on your record and it may count against you in their viewpoint.
There is no "grace period" since the new law takes effect July 1, 2008. This does apply to drivers who come in from out of state or out of the country as well. It applies to every person driving a motor vehicle but not to the passengers in the vehicle.
So if you have an old cell phone that is not Blue Tooth compatible you need to trade up or go Cold Turkey and stop using your cell phone while driving. Old habits are had to break, it take nearly 6 weeks to establish new behaviors or so they say.
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