Is it now against the law in Calif. to talk on your cell phone while driving and what will happen if you do?

marccrotty

I am also in California and was interested to know this information. Following is the new cell phone law info that I copied from below site:

"Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense."

Note to Ed F. Your advice to lie about driving while on a cell (or anything else) is very wrong. This is called 'perjury' and is an offense on top of whatever else someone may have done.

Also, if there is a serious accident that goes to court, what records do you think are going to be subpoenaed (can you say cell phone). The court will know to the second when a call was started and finished, and can correlate that to the time/place of accident.

Do the honorable thing in your life: learn to tell the truth.
Marc

Tom-SJ

Calif Senate Bill 1613 was passed and signed by the Governator (Schwarzenegger) that makes it illegal to use a cellphone unless it is a hands-free model or you have an earpiece/microphone.

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2008. The fine will be $20 for the first offense - but if you cause an accident while using a handheld cellphone, an aggressive attorney could go after you for your negligence in following a state law.

glitterkittyy

Most likely, you'll get a ticket/citation if caught.

scorpygirl

You will get a ticket for $100.00

Ed F

There is a law here in New York against it, too. They can fine you and put points on your license.
Mainly these laws are to benefit insurance companies so they don't have to pay your claim and can raise your premiums, same as seatbelt and helmet laws.
So if you ever have an accident DO NOT say you were talking on your phone, even if you were. If someone else says they saw you, stick to your story, eyewitness testimony is something your attorney can easily defend you against. Saying that you were talking on the phone will not only get you a ticket but can be used against you in court to prove your negligence. Negligent homicide will get you a stiff jail sentence.

Junebug

Well just as every state is looking to make money any way they possibly can, I would guess you would get a hefty fine.

lildude211us

I dont think that law is in effect yet. On yesterday's newscast, the local news station listed some important laws they feel that we should know about and they didnt put this one on their list.

Me again

The law takes effect in a year and a half. If it were that unsafe, COPS wouldn't do it. Alas, they do. If the California legislature was that interested in my safety, they would outlaw eating, smoking, changing clothes, and applying makeup while driving. Alas, they could not care less.

ha_lynn2002

I've been told in traffic school that the law comes in effect in late 2007, like october. Be sure to check the DMV website.

JORGE N

I believe so. You may recieve a ticket. Especially if you blow off an officer while on your cell phone and driving.

lilshrtcke2001

you get a big ol' fine

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