Under 18 Y/O Cellphone Use Might Be Banned

[Sportster]

While researching one thing, i found this other thing that might save some Motorcyclists lives in Florida:

Original Story in Newspaper

Bill Status and Text of Bill as Submitted

If you live in Florida, Call your local Senate and House Representatives.

It says, in part:

TALLAHASSEE — Drivers under 18 would be banned from gabbing on cellphones under a bill approved unanimously by the Senate transportation committee on Tuesday.

The bill (SB 504) is being sponsored by committee Chairman Sen. Casey Baker, R-Eustis. A companion bill (HB 0193) is being considered on the House side.

-- I Edited to add information asked for.--

 

[Ignacio]

Your linky no worky.

Also, do us a favor and put a link to the actual pending legislation please.

 

[bramfrank]

While I can't access the story, what a great idea . . . . maybe they'll extend it to include ALL drivers!!

 

[GunMD]

While I can't access the story, what a great idea . . . . maybe they'll extend it to include ALL drivers!!

In CA a new law goes into effect July 1st of this year banning the use of cellphones while driving unless you have a hands-free device for those 18 years of age and over. For those drivers under 18 years of age are prohibited from using cell phones at all while driving.

Some reasonable exceptions apply, such as during emergencies.

 

[twowheelnut]

While I can't access the story, what a great idea . . . . maybe they'll extend it to include ALL drivers!!

In CA a new law goes into effect July 1st of this year banning the use of cellphones while driving unless you have a hands-free device for those 18 years of age and over. For those drivers under 18 years of age are prohibited from using cell phones at all while driving.

Some reasonable exceptions apply, such as during emergencies.

And bless their hearts, they even included texting! :good: From the dmv.ca.gov FAQ page regarding the new law:

DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone "hands-free?"

A: No. 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." EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities (VC §23124).

Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?

A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.

Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?

A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.

Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?

A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.

Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?

A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.

Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?

A: No.

Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?

A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.

Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my "hands-free" device while driving?

A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a "hands-free" wireless device if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

The two laws were the result of SB 1613 and SB 33, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2006.

 

[gypsy]

"Under 18 Y/O Cellphone Use Might Be Banned, "

I am ok because all my cell phones are under 18 years old.

 

[C&C]

S.C. also toyed with this idea. As earlier posted, it should be for all users. But, it was recently inacted in N.J., and while visiting, noticed that many were ignoring the new law and also noticed it was probably pretty near impossible to enforce.

 

[stellarsteve]

This would be great if it worked. Drivers under 18 have enough trouble not hitting things when they are NOT talking on the phone.

However, running red lights is illegal too and more dangerous but I have seen this done in front of Jacksonville's finest and nothing happened. He must have been on his way home. Not his watch.

 

[twowheelnut]

S.C. also toyed with this idea. As earlier posted, it should be for all users. But, it was recently inacted in N.J., and while visiting, noticed that many were ignoring the new law and also noticed it was probably pretty near impossible to enforce.

The thing about the law is that it may be impossible to enforce, but if you hit someone while yakking on the phone, you are totally fucked. The lawyers and the judge will make a field day of beating your ass into oblivion visa vis DUI.

 

[ionbeam]

New Hampshire already has a "Distracted Driving" law that covers a bunch of sins, though it has small teeth. There is a pending bill that will make it a ticketable offense to:

I. Except as provided in paragraph II, a person operating a moving motor vehicle who writes a text message or uses 2 hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device, is guilty of a violation. A person does not write a text message when he or she reads, selects, or enters a phone number or name in a wireless communications device for the purpose of making a phone call.

To take effect on Jan 1, 2009. It will have small teeth too, $100 fine.

 

[k7lvo]

In Florida that will take, what, 5-6 cell phones off the road...

Now, if the law would have read "over 70" instead... <_<