Today, two California laws go into effect that will affect chatty drivers all over the state: Adult drivers are required to use a hands-free device if they want to talk on their cell phones, and teenagers under 18 will not be allowed to use their cell phones at all, except when on private property or making an emergency call.
The new laws also state that drivers can be pulled over for using their cell phones without having committed a driving violation prior, such as speeding or excessive swerving.
First-time offenders receive a $20 fine, with a $50 fine for each additional offense. The penalty is already being criticized for being overly lenient; In other states with cell phone laws in effect, drivers who are caught using their handsets while driving are charged up to $124.
The Public Policy Institute of California predicts that despite the low fine, the law will save around 300 lives per year. While this law will stop some from using handsets while driving, it certainly won’t stop everyone. If anything, the CHP is going to have quite a busy future with these!
Source: San Francisco Examiner
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