Some say fines are too low
By DAILY PRESS STAFF
Starting on July 1, California motorists can be pulled over for using a hand-held cellular phone, and drivers under 18 are prohibited from using either a hand-held or hands-free device.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced these new laws on Friday, hoping to keep drivers informed so that they do not get cited or cause an accident.
“We know that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted-driving accidents,” Schwarzenegger said. “Getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels will save lives and make California’s roads safer.”
Cell phones can continue to be used by those 18 and older if they have either a wireless or hard-wired head set in one ear. Because motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among 16 to 20-year-olds in the United States, and because underage drivers are thought to have more difficulty focusing on the road, those under 18 can be pulled over for using any cellular device.
“All of us understand the greatness of technology,” L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca said. “We understand that phones help our communication needs be met. But we also know that phones can be deadly in the wrong circumstance, particularly driving a vehicle.”
Violations of the two laws carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. When court costs and other fees are added to the fines, they often double or even triple the amount of the base fine.
Some at the press conference criticized the low penalties, saying that $20 fine would not deter cell phone use. Schwarzenegger responded that the law was a good first step, but that parents should take harsher measures if they find their child is talking while driving.
There will be no grace period to avoid penalties under these new laws and officers can begin issuing citations July 1.
“Habits have to be broken and even my own bad habits will get broken when it comes to driving with a cell phone,” Baca said.
While no actual points will be assessed on DMV records, the infraction will still show on a driving record.
“New, inexperienced drivers need to focus their full attention on operating a vehicle and not be distracted by phone calls,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
According to CHP statistics, 1,091 crashes in 2007 were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones. A total of 447 people were injured in those crashes. According to the CHP, cell phone use is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions in California.
Exceptions to both rules will include emergency situations (calls to law enforcement, health providers, the fire department, etc.) and operating a vehicle while on private property. Neither law applies to passengers in cars. Operators of vehicles requiring a Class “A” or Class “B” driver’s license, such as large trucks, can use a push-to-talk device such as a Nextel through 2010.
pullquote: “Habits have to be broken and even my own bad habits will get broken when it comes to driving with a cell phone.”
— L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 7, 2008. Read the original PDF.