Free hands-free cell phone devices

Time to stop procrastinating. California's hands-free cell phone law goes into effect July 1 and that does not leave much time to procure a device that, should you choose to ignore, could net you a $20 ticket..

You basically have five options, including a place to get basic hands-free devices for $4, says a story from the San Jose Mercury News. Buy a wireless Bluetooth headset (from $10 on eBay to $150 in stores). Fancy models often features noise reduction, a longer battery life, and better design.

You may opt for a wired headset, which is a cheap option for new phones and may be the only option for older phones. Just make sure the jack fits into your phone. Some wired headsets let you listen to music in between calls. (New sets range from $23 to $180).

If you don't want wear an ear piece consider portable speakerphones ($65+). Your phone needs to have Bluetooth capability to make this option work. Some high end GPS systems include speakerphones. You can also install speakerphones in the dash of your car, before or after you buy the vehicle ($150+).

The cheapest option is to let your phone go to voicemail when you are driving. ($0).

Basic hands-free devices are free at FreeHeadset.org, which charges you $4 for the shipping and handling. The site is devoted to promoting safe driving and also sells fancier devices at a discount. You can search by phone model and if they don't have it in stock they will e-mail you when they do. Paying with a credit requires you to use Google checkout.

UPDATE: I received my $4 hands-free device in the mail a few days ago and tested it out yesterday. It works...like a $4 hands-free device. There was some buzzing on the line - enough that the person on the other end of the line mentioned it. I did have the windows down, but I think it was probably the device. The quality was better than using speaker phone, however. For $4 I am satisfied. If you talk a LOT on the phone while driving it might be worth it to buy a higher quality device.

Thanks, Sarah!