• On July 1, 2008, a law banning the use of handheld cellphones while driving went into effect in California and Washington. The use of a phone with hands-free attachments is permitted for drivers over the age of 18.San Francisco Chronicle: Hands on wheel, off the cell phone (July 1, 2008)

  The law was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 13, 2007.FOX News: California Bans Teen Drivers From Using Cellphones (September 14, 2007)

• Fast Facts

  1. Law took effect on July 1, 2008
  2. First-time offenders will receive a $20 fineFOX News: California Bans Teen Drivers From Using Cellphones (September 14, 2007)
  3. Subsequent offenses result in a $50 fineFOX News: California Bans Teen Drivers From Using Cellphones (September 14, 2007)
  4. 15 other states have similar device-banning lawsFOX News: California Bans Teen Drivers From Using Cellphones (September 14, 2007)
  5. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from any cellphone use while driving
  6. Those 18 and older are permitted to use their phones with hands-free attachments
  7. Applies to all drivers in California, including non-residentsSan Francisco Chronicle: Hands on wheel, off the cell phone (July 1, 2008)
  8. Text messaging is not prohibitedNPR: California Driving: Footloose And Hands-Free (July 1, 2008)
  9. Police can pull over drivers in violation of the law
  10. Could save as many as 300 lives per yearNPR: California Driving: Footloose And Hands-Free (July 1, 2008)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Cell Phones | U.S. Department of Transportation | California | Washington

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