|
Txting while driving!
|
View this Thread in Original format
| junkproject |
| I cant use my cell phone to my head while driving no more, so im just goona just start txting while driving. Its not agains't the law! |
|
|
| gerard6975 |
| quote: | Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a "hands-free" device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines(s) if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.
Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense, however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: No. The law becomes effective July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a "hands-free" device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.
DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone "hands-free?"
A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even "hands-free." EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No.
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my "hands-free" device while driving?
A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a "hands-free" wireless device if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.
The two laws were the result of SB 1613 and SB 33, authored by Senator Joe Simitian and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2006. |
you're still using your mobile phone while texting, right? |
|
|
| R!CH |
| quote: | Originally posted by gerard6975
you're still using your mobile phone while texting, right? |
the law allows you to dial and text as well as hold the phone to your face on speaker |
|
|
| JSmooth619 |
| quote: | Originally posted by R!CH
as well as hold the phone to your face on speaker |
Really?:conf:
So I don't HAVE to buy a bluetooth headset, just hit the speaker button and i'm set???? |
|
|
| R!CH |
| that's what the morning news reported to me after interviewing a chp officer at the toll plaza |
|
|
| DaveT |
The law more like says that if you are under 18, you can't call, text, or do anything.
If yu are 18+, you just can't put it near or on your ear...you can use speaker phone (though cell speaker phones ALL SUCK), wired earpiece, bluetooth, or whatever...and you can make calls and/or text as Rich said...jusy don't put the phone against your ear and text, hehe...
Anyhow, I think a law has been introduced or is planned to been to make texting illegal for all ages, and not 18+. I could be wrong, but I remember a quick news reported only in the last year.
Too me, that's far more dangerous (and I am so guilty of it) than having the phone up to your ear. Not only are you distracted but constantly taking your eyes off the road...I think I maybe know two peeps who have gotten into accidents because they were on the phone. I know at least 10 other people who got into wrecks while they were texting or the other driver was texting. Hell, my roommate got into a wreck a few years ago while texting, too. Just remembered that! |
|
|
| djFEI-FEI |
| yeah texting's the worst! They should invent voice texting :) |
|
|
| Cool1g |
| quote: | Originally posted by djFEI-FEI
yeah texting's the worst! They should invent voice texting :) |
actually there kind of is such a thing. i got a voice text sent to me yesterday via someone who has sprint - my phone rang, i answered it, and a computerized voice read to me the message the text message the other person left. |
|
|
| R!CH |
| quote: | Originally posted by Cool1g
actually there kind of is such a thing. i got a voice text sent to me yesterday via someone who has sprint - my phone rang, i answered it, and a computerized voice read to me the message the text message the other person left. |
i've gotten the same thing except it never told me who it was from, which made it really creepy sounding. |
|
|
| Cool1g |
| quote: | Originally posted by R!CH
i've gotten the same thing except it never told me who it was from, which made it really creepy sounding. |
his caller id showed up for me... |
|
|
| D:Jay |
What's wrong with you people? Do you have to look at your phone key pad to txt?
LOL
I was in the Philippines on vacation last year and I was so impressed on how the High School kids can send txt messages without even looking at their phone. :nervous:
On another note, I asked my Cheap employer today if they will provide blue tooth head phones to us and they said no! 20 minutes later HR fired an email basically saying that the company policy is that "they do not want employees to use their phone while driving and that if they need to use it, they have to pull over".
Now I have an excuse not to answer my phone when my boss, the owner calls me :rolleyes: because he's cheap. |
|
|
| Dj Blurr |
I got pulled over today for dialing while driving... When he pulled me over, he noticed I had my bluetooth headset on, and let me go. Stupid cops.
I guess that cop should have been watching that newscast.
I guess this will help those who are stupid and cant drive and talk at the same time.. you know the types, the ones who talk and slow down 20 miles per hour in front of you? |
|
|
|
|
