Breaking the 'Hands-Free' and 'No-Text' Laws

It is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions in California , increasing one's risk of a crash by 23 times. It causes an estimated six percent of traffic collisions, resulting in approximately 2,600 deaths and as many as 330,000 injuries a year in the U.S. It's even more dangerous than drunk driving and driving under the influence of marijuana. If these facts aren't enough to get you to put down your phone and drive, maybe the financial repercussions will be.

It has been more than a year since the 'hands-free' cell phone law was first introduced in California . The law states that adults are required to use hands-free devices when using a cell phone while driving. Though many drivers have chosen to follow the law by using a blue tooth or ear piece, it is evident by the more than 100,000 citations issued statewide in the law's first 13 months that many are opting to continue to break the law and use their cell phone without a hands-free device. While the law has been in effect since July of 2008, this does not mean that regulation of the law has declined, in fact it has increased.

If cost is an issue, consider this: The cost of a blue tooth device ranges from around $30 to $150 depending on the quality of the device. In contrast, the bail amount for a first offense can be well over $300. In addition to the high fee, drivers should know while the infraction won't add points to your DMV record, it will still show on your driving record.

Also affected by additional fees are tickets received for breaking the no-text law, which was enacted in January 2009. This law prohibits a person from using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send or read text-based messages while operating a motor vehicle. This law specifically addresses, but is not limited to, instant messages and all forms of e-mail based correspondence. Similar to the hands-free law, drivers are subject to a $20 fee for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense, which after penalty fees can end up totaling more than triple or quadruple the base fine.

If the risk factors and dangers of using a cellular phone while driving haven't been enough to motivate you to put down the phone, hopefully knowing the dent it will put in your wallet, will. For more information regarding cell phone laws and safe driving practices, check out the California Department of Motor Vehicles' Web site at www.DMV.ca.gov . Save time. Go online!

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