[Nick]

I was driving down a road (main street) and I was talking on my cell phone, using no hands-free or speaker phone.

I was pulled over by a city police officer. I was then given a $20.00 ticket, since it was my first offense. I was wearing my uniform for Verizon Wireless which had my name and the words VERIZON WIRELESS printed on it in big letters, so he wouldn't go easy on me.

I was on my way to work when this happened. Luckily, since it was a wireless offense, Verizon paid it (but they only will pay it the first time).

The officer was really mean to me...especially since I was wearing a wireless carrier's work uniform...but it all worked out ok...it was just a coincidence that I was on my way to work for a wireless carrier.

The laws in effect for a wireless devices beginning July 1, 2008 (effective):

• Drivers age 21 or older: Must use a hands-free device while driving.

1st offense-$20.00 ticket
2nd offense-$50.00 ticket
3rd offense-$50.00 ticket
4th offense-License revoked for 1 year and driver restitution classes required.

• Drivers age 20 or under-NO WIRELESS/ELECTRONIC DEVICES allowed to be used at all while the car is in motion (and the person under 20 is the one driving). Hands-free devices in this case are also breaking the law.

1st offense-$20.00 ticket
2nd offense-$50.00 ticket + license revoked for 1 year, and the "Hazardous Driver" tag will be placed on your driving record for 3 years.


The law for adults (21 or over) does not currently include text messaging. It is still legal to text message and drive. In which case, comes the following law:

Effective January 1st, 2009:

• "Starting January 1, 2009 a new law will go into effect where writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication while driving will be against the law for all drivers in California."--DMV California

• "Violating this law is punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. With the addition of penalty assessments, fines can be more than triple the base fine amount."--DMV California

"This new law applies to electronic wireless communications devices used to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail."--DMV California

**ALL OF THE ABOVE LAWS WILL EFFECT DRIVERS WHO TRAVEL FROM ANOTHER STATE INTO CALIFORNIA AS WELL

Why did I post all of this information? California is one of the 20 other states which have adopted or will be adopting No Call and No Text laws. Some states, including (but not limited to) Washington, Idaho, Maine, Montana, and Florida will be adopting a NO TOLERANCE Wireless device law within the next year or two (depending on the state, with the exception of Florida...which already adopted it in March). This NO TOLERANCE Wireless device law will prohibit ALL drivers, regardless of expertise, age, etc. from operating a hands-free device with or without a headset. Yes, this means your OnStar cars are also illegal to use to place a call.

People are always posting stuff about devices, I thought I would post something educational and important for you. When I received my ticket told everyone here, and within an hour...I received all the above information in my mailbox here at work...

It is important to know what the laws are where you live and wherever you travel.

In states that have enforced laws (or will have) we are offering special Bluetooth/Headset promotions...if they are not illegal to use in your state.

[thegreen]

Wow- the cops don't need to be pricks about this sort of thing, but I suppose he figured that you should know better since you work in the industry.

As for the states that are outlawing hands-free devices, I think it'll be very difficult to enforce. Its pretty easy to just hang up, unless they're making it illegal to possess a headset altogether.

Here in Illinois, they've been talking about making it illegal to use a wireless device while walking due to the number of people getting injured by walking off of curbs or stepping in holes, twisting ankles; or getting hit by cars because they're too busy texting and not paying attention to their surroundings. Personally, I think that if some idiot gets schmucked by a bus 'cause they're too busy texting, that falls under the category of 'thinning the herd.' My wife disagrees with me because she works in the insurance biz, and I can understand her points, but still... just another law to protect us from ourselves.

[waynester]

the store paid?
that seems like they are condoning unsafe and illegal behavior
AND that also means I/WE the vzw customers paid your ticket
its a stupid thing to do, i do it at times, not a habit or common practice though
but that said , they should treat putting on make-up and similar distractions to the same restrictions
as for the zero tolerance dont see it as enforcable,
who's is to say im not singing or talking to myself?

as for txt and walking, i tend to agree with the "Darwin theory"

[willidare]

Was curious about this subject, so I googled a bit and found this. Good info to know.

BTW, I always use a BT earpiece on the drive home. Since I arrive at work early I don't bother on the way. Might be a good idea to start using it even during the most routine trips.

State Cell Phone Driving Laws

[thegreen]

Should also mention- Law or not, I'm also a firm believer in the use of handsfree.... BT especially. I hate holding my phone to my ear while driving...

Got too many other things going on; radio fiddling, coffee drinking, fast food eating, nose picking... ()

Nice link, Willidare. Good info.

[waynester]

glad you put a "comma" between fast food eating and nose picking
though in some parts of the south ....

[Carpediem11203]

I have never heard of any kind of No Tolerance law that bans everything. With technology today I don't even think that is enforceable. BTW I looked up Fla laws and could not find that anywhere.

I think the law against texting an walking is stupid but this is America... People win law suites because they got fat from eating Mcdonalds and became rich because they burned themselves with a Poptart that came out of the toaster. {Who knew it would be hot?? Why wasn't that person warned}

If you get hit cuz you walk off the curb and not look... your dumbass deserved it...

I'm a firm believer in tough love

[CRAZYISH]

If you get hit cuz you walk off the curb and not look... your dumbass deserved it...

I'm a firm believer in tough love[/quote]

LMFAO THATS FUNNY

and nick your luky it wasnt in nyc >>>>>>>><<<<<< the fine would be way higher .