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Driving Laws

Government agencies and other organizations nationwide recognize the dangers associated with driving while holding a cell phone. As a consequence, many states have “hands-free” driving laws and fine violators for holding their cell phones as they drive. The use of Mandi™ by SpeechPhone© in conjunction with your cell phone, complies with the law and results in a safer way to drive.

Below is a list of current fines and the states which enforce them:

Fine	State
$50.00	California
$100.00	Connecticut
$100.00	Massachusetts
$100.00 - $250.00	New Jersey
$100.00 plus court fees	New York
$101.00	Washington

Generally, state cell phone driving laws are based on issues specific to each state. For example, many states have identified cell phone use by novice drivers as an emerging highway safety problem and have thus restricted use. In some states, localities restrict cell phone use through local ordinances or policies. Other states prohibit localities from implementing such ordinances. These are known as "Preemption Laws." Highlights of current state cell phone driving laws include the following:

• 5 states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington), the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have enacted jurisdiction-wide cell phone laws prohibiting driving while talking on handheld cell phones. Many other states ban cell phone use in specific situations.
• 17 states and the District of Columbia have special cell phone driving laws for novice drivers.
• School bus drivers in 14 states and the District of Columbia are prohibited from all cell phone use when passengers are present, except for in emergencies.
• In May of 2007, Washington became the first state to ban driving while texting for all drivers. New Jersey followed suit in November and a few other states are considering similar measures.
• No state completely bans all types of cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) while driving.

Sacramento, CA

With 2008 right around the corner, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds motorists of several new laws that will ring in the New Year.

The most anticipated law, SB 1613 -- due to take effect July 1, 2008 -- prohibits drivers from using wireless telephones without a hands free device while driving. In addition, motorists under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use a cell phone even with a hands free device.

• Wireless telephones (SB 1613/Simitian) Prohibits the use of wireless telephones while driving, unless the telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation, and is used in that manner while driving. Base fine for a first offense: $20, and $50 for each subsequent offense. The law provides an exemption for emergency purposes.
• Wireless telephones, under 18 (SB 33/Simitian) A person under the age of 18 is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even when equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device. The law provides an exemption for emergency purposes.

Boston, MA

The House approved a bill banning drivers from talking or texting on cell phones while behind the wheel, despite opposition from a lawmaker whose city experienced the death of a 13-year-old boy in a hit-and-run accident last month.

The bill, approved on a 107-47 vote, authorizes police to pull over drivers they see talking on cell phones or sending text messages. Adult offenders would be subject to a $100 fine on the first offense. Hands-free headsets would be exempt.