You have less than two weeks to get 'hands-free'
Here's the release:
DON'T GET CAUGHT "RED-HANDED"
GO HANDSFREE, "IT'S THE LAW"
Wireless Telephone Laws Aim to Increase Traffic Safety
Two new laws regarding the use of wireless telephones while driving take effect July 1, 2008. Both laws are designed to increase traffic safety by reducing distractions inside vehicles and increasing driver awareness.
23123 CVC prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking and is used in that manner. This law does not prohibit dialing, nor does it address text messaging. However, a driver can be pulled over and cited, if, in the officer's opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text messaging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.
There are several exceptions to the law, including making an emergency call to a police agency, fire department medical provider or other emergency services provider. This law does not prevent law enforcement or other emergency services personnel from using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle.
23124 CVC prohibits a driver under the age of 18 from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if it is equipped with a hands-free device, or while using mobile service device, including laptop computers, handheld devices with mobile data access, pagers, and two-way messaging devices. This section also exempts the use of a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including an emergency call to an emergency services agency or entity.
The fine for a first offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent offenses plus additional penalty assessments.
There is no grace period for the enforcement of these laws. The El Segundo Police Department seeks to educate the public of the dangers of operating a vehicle while using a wireless telephone and will be enforcing the new laws when they take effect July1, 2008.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, go to the following CHP link http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/media/cell_phone_faq.pdf or DMV link http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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About the Blogger
Denise Nix knew as young as grade school, when she spent every summer working on the camp newspaper, that she wanted to be a journalist. Denise has spent most of the last 12 years of her career in the courtroom. She joined the Daily Breeze in 2001, where she tracks and reports on hundreds of cases at every level of the justice system. And she's never, ever, seen a judge use a gavel.
E-mail Denise at denise.nix@dailybreeze.com.
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Glad to see the police are focusing their efforts on the War on Cellphone Driving. I will sleep well tonight knowing that gang members throughout the southland will be driving a bit safer on July 1st.
Protip: if you do not demand the sleek hipness of Bluetooth you can pick up a wired headset on Ebay for $5.