Ryan Lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Two cell phone laws became effective in California July 1 – the first prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways, but allows for hands-free headset and speakerphone use. The second prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone – hand-held or not.
Roughly a dozen Sonoma motorists were cited in the first week California’s new cell phone laws went into effect – and police say the drivers have been largely unsurprised.
“Most everybody is like, ‘I know, I know,’” Sonoma police Sgt. Dave Thompson said July 3, placing the July 1–3 tally at “at least nine and as many as 15.” Thompson added that he had issued a couple of tickets to automobile drivers after cruising alongside them during the sergeant’s Sonoma Plaza bicycle patrol.
Sgt. Clint Shubel narrowed the number to 13 or higher on July 7, explaining that if an officer pulls someone over for a cell phone violation but then finds evidence of something more serious – for example, driving without a license – the more serious matter takes precedence in the department’s call records.
“It could be 15 or 16, because if it’s a different violation (the system) kicks it out,” Shubel said.
According to CHP statistics, 1,091 crashes in 2007 were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones, resulting in a total of 447 injuries.
Two cell phone laws became effective in California July 1 – the first prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways, but allows for hands-free headset and speakerphone use. The second prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone – hand-held or not. Headsets must leave at least one ear free to hear surrounding traffic.
Emergency calls to police, fire agencies or medical providers are exempt from the law, as is using the cell phone while the vehicle is stopped. Cell phone-using passengers are also exempt; likewise drivers who are parked or who pull over may also use their phones.
Violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses, but court costs and other fees can double or even triple the amount of the base fine. No points will be added to the licenses of convicted violators, although the conviction will remain on the driver’s record.
