Beginning Tuesday, July 1, it will be illegal for adult CA drivers to talk on their cell phone without a hands-free device.  If you’re under 18, than you cannot use your cell phone AT ALL: no hands-free, no texting.  Here is a summary of the new laws taken from http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm:

• The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123).
• Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.”
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even “hands-free.”
• The law does not specifically prohibit text messaging (for adults), but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely.
• The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
• The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.
• There will be NO grace period.  The law becomes effective July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.

Using a handheld devise is considered a primary offense and motorists can be pulled over for it.  Violations will result in a fine and will be put in your record; however, there will not be a point penalty against you.  Teens using a hands-free device is considered a SECONDARY offense.  This means that a teen cannot be pulled over for it but can be cited if pulled over for something else.  So if you’re under 18, make sure you are driving perfectly and your car is in 100% legal condition if using a hands-free device.

Well, I guess this means I need to go purchase a bluetooth headset or really good headphones for my iPhone.  This is going to be a big change for me as I call people out of boredom every time I drive.  I think this is a good law though.  I have been in so many near accidents with idiots on their cell phones.  And I’ll admit it; I’ve been that idiot a few times myself.