CA Handsfree Cellphone Law - Compliance Optional?

[ikarcuaso]

Since the law banning drivers in CA from using a hand-held cell phone went into effect on July 1, there have been very few days that I've been on the road and haven't seen one or more drivers breaking that law. WTF? Comply, unless the call is "important?" Did I miss some fine print in the legislation?

[LakeCleElum]

Had the same law go into effect in WA at the same time.....Although I think there is some compliance, I still see many yakking away......I pull up right next to their door on my m/c and "Give Them the Look!!!"......A few actually seem to figure it out??????

Seems like we started this way years ago with seat belt laws....It was a slow process, but over time, most now use seat belts......Too bad out legislators didn't have the BALLS to just go ahead and make it a PRIMARY offense and take the heat from the few that would object????

[Shawn 357]

I hate how people think that the new cell phone law is optional or doesn't apply to them. just this morning when I was doing 75 in a 65 I passed some lady who thinks that the laws don't apply to her and she was just chatting away

I always get a chuckle how it seems like everyone I have ever spoken to complains about people talking on cell phones when they are driving but everyone I call answers their phone when they are driving or not...

[Evans, Marv]

The fine for it is rediculously low. They should make if at least $250 for the first offense and double it for each following offense. I pull over or off the freeway to make calls and don't answer when I'm driving.

[Rick Lee]

It should be the same as a DUI. I can drive drunk as well as I can drive while on my cell phone. Why aren't they punished equally?

[the]

Compliance with all laws is optional.

[varmint]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

The fine for it is rediculously low. They should make if at least $250 for the first offense and double it for each following offense. I pull over or off the freeway to make calls and don't answer when I'm driving.

the cops in this state only enforce laws they can turn a profit on.

[Rick Lee]

The cops could solve the state's budget problems and make the roads a lot safer if they enforced this law with the zeal they use in going after "speeders". And throwing left lane squatters in jail would help too.

[Steve_in_SB]

I bet if they sat at any intersection with a signal, they could ticket at least one person per light change...minimum. Sitting in a left turn lane you can just watch them drive by...chatting away.

[Jeff Higgins]

I have seen no change whatsoever since Washington passed our cellphone law. The same number of folks still drive along yammering away, or texting, or whatever the hell else it is they are doing. I've also seen no reduction in left lane campers since the WSP announced their intention to start cracking down on them. Maybe if the combination of the two added up to a custody offense, with an accompanying vehicle impound, we would start to see a difference. They are truly every bit as dangerous, if not more so, than a drunk driver. If traffic enforcement is truly about pubic safety, this is one area where I would agree the hammer has to come down, and hard.

[MattKellett]

I have noticed a huge change in cell phone useage here. Now I still see people chatting on their phones, but no where near the amount as before.

But banning holding cell phones isn't the problem - the problem is using any phone device in the car, including hands free. The brain is distracted by concentrating on talking with someone who is not in the car. I'm fairly certain it's for this reason that using any phone device has been banned in the UK.


Matt

[KaptKaos]

The teeth of the law makes accidents while talking on the phone, if someone is hurt, criminal.

[vash]

speeding is a crime too. i see speeders everyday. people try.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by the

Compliance with all laws is optional.

True. Anyone here NOT speed?

Originally Posted by MattKellett

But banning holding cell phones isn't the problem - the problem is using any phone device in the car, including hands free. The brain is distracted by concentrating on talking with someone who is not in the car. I'm fairly certain it's for this reason that using any phone device has been banned in the UK.

Where do you draw that line? Radios? Heat and A/C controls? Maps? GPS? Manual transmissions? Hot joggers? The point is, anything can be a distraction while driving. Obviously the safety of other drivers is important, but lets not get too socialist here. The next step for the UK is banning cars entirely.

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

It should be the same as a DUI. I can drive drunk as well as I can drive while on my cell phone. Why aren't they punished equally?

I think Myth Busters showed that they could drive drunk better than they could drive while talking on the cell.

[legion]

I just love it when each lane on the main road in town is blocked up with people doing 20 in a 45. Makes the drive home relaxing and enjoyable--especially when I get to wait at each light three times.

Not only can you make phone calls or text while driving, but I actually work with a girl that watches movies on her iPhone while driving, to make the drive less boring!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by phred68

I think Myth Busters showed that they could drive drunk better than they could drive while talking on the cell.

I sure know I can! Errr, I mean, that's what I heard too. We were all young and stupid once, right?

I'm more scared of the teen texters and BB addicts. Ever try speaking to someone that's writing a text message?

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

The cops could solve the state's budget problems and make the roads a lot safer if they enforced this law with the zeal they use in going after "speeders". And throwing left lane squatters in jail would help too.

Uh. Yeah.

The state's budget problems should be solved by the state spending less money, and helping the cities restructure their pension plans for those cops and firefighters. I bet you were just kidding, though.

And yes, they can go ahead and enforce the cell phone law a little better, too. And the fine for cellphone use while speeding should be double the amount of the individual fines. So, if you're talking on your phone while speeding in a construction zone, you'll pay each fine four times. Maybe a $800-1000 ticket. Sounds awesome.

Now one of you butt-sniffers is going to get in here and say "Well, just don't speed or talk on your phone in the car, gogar. Problem solved."

I agree with you, butt-sniffer, but I'm just a little worked up about the whole cop-revenue generation thing lately. Cops need to be out there catching criminals, and solving crimes.

[MattKellett]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

True. Anyone here NOT speed?



Where do you draw that line? Radios? Heat and A/C controls? Maps? GPS? Manual transmissions? Hot joggers? The point is, anything can be a distraction while driving. Obviously the safety of other drivers is important, but lets not get too socialist here. The next step for the UK is banning cars entirely.

True, where do you draw the line? But I would say that allowing people to use a device that's not needed while driving a car and is known to cause accidents a good place to draw the line. Now dont get me wrong, I've used my cell phone many times while driving, but really I knew especially when dialing the number that it wasn't the smartest thing to do.

I had the front end of my '66 Jag destroyed by a head on collision by some one adjusting their radio and for 5 seconds he drifted over into my lane and I had no where to go, but as a whole a radio doesn't distract someone, compared to blaa blaaa blaa on the phone for 5, 10 or 15 minutes.

I guess imho it's a sensible law

Matt

[scottmandue]

Not seeing much compliance on El Lay freeways...

I have a blue tooth visor thing that works pretty well... when I remember to turn it on.

My buddy got an ear piece... that he doesn't like wearing so he puts it on when he gets a call... how distracting is that?


The answer is not in new laws can't/won't/don't get enforced.

The answer is technology, my next car is going to have a blue tooth in dash radio and voice command.