On July 1, California's new state law that requires drivers to use hands-free technology like headsets and bluetooth-enabled devices will take full effect. The Policy Institute of California is predicting that this new law will save around 300 lives a year (a 7 percent decline in fatal car accidents), considering the drop other states have noticed since enforcing the law.
The penalty if you get caught talking with your phone to your ear? It's only $20 for first-time offenders and you won't lose points against your driving record. Regardless, the cops issuing tickets are going to be swamped for the first six months till people finally realize they're going to need a hands-free device. I suggest going geek chic with the Jawbone Headset. Hey, at least Seal is playing it safe while maintaining his techno-chic flair with his shiny Bentley, shiny shades, and shiny Bluetooth earpiece!
Tod's
Tommy Hilfiger
Repetto
My boyfriend recently got a jawbone headset from his company's distributor, and it really is quite nifty. It even comes with its own display case.
1I use the Jawbone one and I really like it.
Question - can the phone's speakerphone feature be used in the car?
2Guess I'll have to remember this when I move back to Cali in November.
3missouri doesn't have this law but i've watched a bunch of idiots trying to drive and talk on the phone. the problem is that they just shouldn't be on the phone. some people can't do more than one thing at a time.
4i'm glad to see that this law is heading for California soon!
5i;m so happy they are implementing that law in cali, they have it here and it is a good thing to have
6i also have the jawbone, and its pretty nice, but i carry a back up with me as well...you can never have too many gadgets lol...but please sport it only in your car not in public...its a bit tacky
7NJ has this law and since it's not really enforced people still drive holding their phone to their ear. Also, when the fine is minimal and there are no points added to your license, it's not a big threat so people don't seem to care.
8MissMarisol, you can use the speaker if you clip the phone to your visor or set it down. You aren't allowed to hold the phone, even on speaker.
And quick rant- Bluetooth is not a fashion accessory. Talk on the phone, then pull it out of your ear. Ugh. Such a pet peeve of mine to see people walking around with them when they aren't using it. Stick it in your pocket, dude.
9Colormesticky, I totally agree with your rant. One of the guys who I live with right now does that. It's soooooo annoying! Also, at least in my area of CA, there are signs warning us of the impending law so I am thinking it's probably going to be enforced.
10Where I live (not in the US), you can't talk on a cell phone while driving PERIOD. Can't use speakers nor bluetooth headsets. If a cop sees you with one on while you drive then you will get a ticket. I think that's fine, people get distracted because they talk or argue or whatever over the phone, so I think no cellphones while driving would be best.
11Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.