california hands free cell phone law

Can you please tell me the correct date of the california hands free cell phone law. When does it go into effect? And what exactly does the law state?

Thank you

Governor to sign hands-free cell phone measure

Oakland Tribune, Sep 15, 2006 by Steve Geissinger, MEDIANEWS SACRAMENTO BUREAU

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Thursday he will sign a measure requiring motorists to use hands-free cell phone devices while driving or chance tickets and fines, making California the fourth state to adopt the law.

The signing ceremony is scheduled for today at the Oakland Airport Hilton in Oakland.

The announcement cleared uncertainty over whether Schwarzenegger would sign the measure, authored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto.

The governor has said in the past that studies have shown drivers and passengers "get injured or die because of being on the phone" and that "we have to do everything we can to halt that." But he stopped short of endorsing Simitian's bill.

Supporters include insurers and law enforcement groups across the state and there is little remaining opposition. Though it may be difficult to enforce, police agencies in the traffic-clogged Bay Area and Los Angeles regions say they will try.

"We hope there will be voluntary compliance," said Capt. Ronald Marbrey of the Los Angeles Police's Valley Traffic Division. "But an individual just driving down the road, and being in control, may get stopped."

The measure requires drivers to use hands-free devices such as wired or wireless headsets and speakerphones.

It would impose a $20 fine for a first infraction -- which won't affect insurance rates -- and $50 for subsequent violations, beginning Jan. 1, 2008. That leaves a year for the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to educate the public.

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September 28, 2006
California Passes Cell Phone Law

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while driving in the state.

Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.

The law allows drivers to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011, and allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

California joins Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and some local jurisdictions in prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.