California Bans Holding Cell Phones When Driving

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged citizens of his state not to wait until the law takes effect in July 2008 to put down their phones while driving. By Reuters InformationWeek Sep 18, 2006 07:36 AM

OAKLAND, Calif. - California Friday banned motorists from talking on cell phones unless they use a headset or speakerphone, although the law will not take effect until July 1, 2008, to allow time to educate the public.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed the measure, urged Californians not to wait until then to put down their phones while driving, citing government data showing those who held their phones while driving were involved in 15 times more accidents than those with hands-free setups.
"The simple fact is that it is really dangerous to talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time," Schwarzenegger said. "It's very important for people to know ... stop using the cell phone right now, because you are putting people at risk."
Schwarzenegger joked he told his teenage daughter he would take her car away for years if he caught her talking on the phone while driving. "I said I will be driving behind you sometimes and you will not know. I will be spying," he said.
Violators will be fined $20 the first time they are caught and $50 the second time. The new law makes exemptions for those placing emergency calls while driving.
Several other states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have similar bans. California, with 37 million people, is the most populous state.
Copyright 2006 Reuters. Click for Restrictions


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged citizens of his state not to wait until the law takes effect in July 2008 to put down their phones while driving. By Reuters InformationWeek Sep 18, 2006 07:36 AM

OAKLAND, Calif. - California Friday banned motorists from talking on cell phones unless they use a headset or speakerphone, although the law will not take effect until July 1, 2008, to allow time to educate the public.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed the measure, urged Californians not to wait until then to put down their phones while driving, citing government data showing those who held their phones while driving were involved in 15 times more accidents than those with hands-free setups.
"The simple fact is that it is really dangerous to talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time," Schwarzenegger said. "It's very important for people to know ... stop using the cell phone right now, because you are putting people at risk."
Schwarzenegger joked he told his teenage daughter he would take her car away for years if he caught her talking on the phone while driving. "I said I will be driving behind you sometimes and you will not know. I will be spying," he said.
Violators will be fined $20 the first time they are caught and $50 the second time. The new law makes exemptions for those placing emergency calls while driving.
Several other states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have similar bans. California, with 37 million people, is the most populous state.
Copyright 2006 Reuters. Click for Restrictions