California's hand-held cell phone law applies only to drivers who are engaged in a call, an appeals court has ruled. The ruling favored a driver, Steven Spriggs, who was ticketed for checking a map application while stopped in heavy traffic. "Spriggs contends he did not violate the statute because he was not talking on the telephone," the Fifth District Court of Appeal said in a ruling published Feb. 27. "We agree. "Based on the statute's language, its legislative history, and subsequent legislative enactments, we conclude that the statute means what it says -- it prohibits a … [Read more...]
2014’s new distracted driving laws
December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
New distracted driving laws greet the New Year in a handful of states, notably Illinois, Oregon, Vermont and California. In Illinois, holding a cell phone while driving becomes illegal Jan. 1. The state already prohibits text messaging while driving. Fines range from $75 (first offense) to $150. In Oregon, fines for texting and using handheld mobile phones while driving increase to as much as $500. Most violators will pay $250 plus fees for texting and cell phone convictions -- less than the new maximum. The old maximum fine, $250, will be doubled as of Jan. 1. In Vermont, penalties … [Read more...]
Calif. closing teen texting loophole
September 4, 2013 by 1 Comment
California teens who use voice-activated technology to get around the state's ban on texting & driving are likely to see that loophole closed. If signed by the governor, a plan OK'd by the Legislature will prohibit use of voice-operated, hands-free texting technology by drivers under age 18. The ban would include texting via "infotainment" dashboards and voice-responsive apps such as the widely used Siri on iPhones. Teens already are barred from using cell phones -- whether held or hands-free -- but a 2012 law appears to give them permission to use the hands-free texting technologies … [Read more...]
Reports: Distracted driving gets worse
January 26, 2013 by 1 Comment
Distracted driving continues to increase in the U.S. -- despite new laws, widespread safety education and saturation media coverage -- several new reports suggest. "Most Americans believe this problem is becoming worse," said Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which surveyed almost 4,000 motorists for its Traffic Safety Culture Index. Researchers in California report that electronic distracted driving doubled in the state from 2011 to 2012, citing a "substantial and dramatic" increase in use of handheld electronics. Smartphone sales grew about 45 … [Read more...]
Hands-free texting OK’d in California
July 14, 2012 by 4 Comments
Californians soon will be free to use hands-free technology to text message while driving, under a measure signed into law Friday. The bill's sponsor called passage "a huge victory for commuters." Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, pushed through the relatively low profile AB 1536. He cited the burden of current distracted driving limits on business people who spend so much time in vehicles: "I can relate to the frustration of many Californians who were unable to communicate with friends, family and business partners while driving because it is currently against the law to operate text … [Read more...]
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