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New Cell Phones Laws and Driving
PUBLIC SAFETY
The new cell phone law in California became effective July 1, 2008. The law will:
Prohibit the use of “hand-held” cell phones among drivers 18 years and older, except for
emergency calls to law enforcement and public safety agencies, and for certain commercial
vehicles for which the law’s effective date is July 1, 2011.
Prohibit a driver under the age of 18 years from using ANY wireless device, even if
equipped with a hands-free or mobile service device, except during an emergency.
While the new California law will soon make it illegal for drivers 18 years and older to use a hand-held device while
driving, drivers can still use an earpiece, headset, speaker phone, or Bluetooth device.
Be a responsible driver! Concentrate on your driving!
• Drivers who dial or text message on cell phones while driving
are distracted and cannot fully pay attention to pedestrians,
automobile traffic, and road conditions. Other common driver
distractions include talking to passengers, eating, changing
CDs or radio stations, and using on-board navigation systems.
• Distractions significantly reduce your: (1) reaction time; (2)
ability to concentrate on vehicle and pedestrian traffic; (3) ability
to control speed; and (4) ability to maintain your position or
keep up with the traffic flow.
If you MUST use a cell phone...
• Utilize a hands-free device while
driving (for drivers 18 years and older).
• If your phone rings while you are
driving, let voicemail answer. Call
back when you are in a safe location
and no longer driving.
• If you need to make a call, pull over
to a safe location.
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