Another boring mention about the cell phone ban… blah, blah, blah.

July 1, 2008 at 12:20 am in Announcements, Driving

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that effective today, California drivers can no longer hold their cell phones while driving. But did you know:

Not sure if this is legal.
pic by dfb, used under Creative Commons.

that while the LAPD has indicated they won’t target cellphone violators for ticketing’s sake, they will use it as another reason to pull over shady looking individuals? Yep, this could mean you.
if you’re a cheap bastard or can’t afford a fancy wireless headset, you can get a FREE wired headset just for the cost of shipping ($3.94) through FreeHeadset.org. a wireless phone safety program?*
the fines and fees for “first offenders” caught violating the law can total about $100? This doesn’t include the anxiety and waste of time spent being pulled over by a cranky police officer.
if you’re a cheap bastard or think you look stupid wearing a headset, you can simply use the speaker phone built into your cell phone?
if you talk on your headset outside of the car, especially while in line at Starbucks, everyone thinks you’re a douche?

*UPDATE: Proceed with caution – the Better Business Bureau gives FreeHeadset.org an unsatisfactory rating after numerous complaints that were only resolved after the BBB became involved. Thanks Julia!

…sources: San Jose Mercury News and LA Times…

8 Comments »

Mark and Steve

Guess we’ll all just have to text while driving! That’ll be safer! Great job, California!
http://www.darleeneisms.la darleene

That picture is just absolutely priceless.
http://www.superluckycat.com bromike666

They should raise the fine to $200.00. We could solve the budget crises and make our roads safer.
http://frazgomeanders.blogspot.com frazgo

The pic has been around for several years on the net. Still funny.
I am so glad today is here. Now I can just turn off the phone and not be bothered. My cocoon is disturbance free again.
http://juliasmexicocity.com Julia Frey

The free headset website has had some major complaints to the BBB so I would use caution and do some research.
westondeboer

If you get a ticket does it count as a moving violation?

Or do the police report this violation to your insurance company?
http://tokyofarm.com Spencer Cross

The free headset website has had some major complaints to the BBB so I would use caution and do some research.

FWIW, I ordered a headset from them and it was delivered as promised. The only strange bit was that the tracking status always said “We have been notified by the shipper to expect your package,” and never changed. But it showed up and was postmarked on the date they said they shipped it.
Burns!

@westondeboer:
A cell phone ticket results in a fine, but no points for moving violation. No problem with insurance.

“if you talk on your headset outside of the car, especially while in line at Starbucks, everyone thinks you’re a douche?”

I would like to start a campaign of publicly mocking these douchebags, as well as the ones who leave that flashing blue light attached to their ear at all times, thus telling the world “I’m a very busy and important person.” Anyone care to join me?

Finally, as a motorcycle rider who has been nearly killed (most recently last week) by a-holes with phones to their ears, I’ll be curious to see if the ban helps. I’ll let y’all know. Of course, if you don’t hear from me, it didn’t help.

Another boring mention about the cell phone ban… blah, blah, blah.

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