Speeding Ticket Blog

As of July 1, 2008, California passed a new vehicle code law that prohibits the use of a cellular phone while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle Code Section 23123 makes is illegal for all drivers to use a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. However, motorists 18 years and older may use a hands-free device, such as “Bluetooth.”

 Vehicle Code Section 23124 makes it illegal for ANY driver under 18 years old to use ANY wireless telephone or hands-free device.  The new law allows any police officer to stop a driver that is in violation of the above-mentioned laws.  The new laws do not affect a passenger in a motor vehicle.  Regardless of what state you are from, you are still subject to these new laws if you operate a vehicle in California.  There are some exceptions to these new laws.  First, any operator of an emergency vehicle may use a cell phone during the course of their duties of employment.  Motorists are also exempt when operating a vehicle on private property and a driver of a vehicle may use a cell phone at any time to make an emergency call to law enforcement, a medical provider, fire department or other emergency services.

 There is currently no law that prohibits text messaging while driving.  However, the dangers should seem obvious to any operator of a motor vehicle.   Ticket Tutor, CEO, has indicated that searches related to cell phone tickets has increased which is an obvious sign that the new laws are being enforced to increase the safety of those on the road.

Many changes in the law will happen in 2008. One that is likely to impact nearly every driver is the law the makes it illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving a vehicle. It currently appears that the law will allow a driver to talk on the phone and drive as long as it is hands-free. For you California drivers, the days of holding the cell phone in one hand and a burger in the other while you drive should end in the summer of 2008. Other states such as New York have already passed a similar law. If your state does not currently have a law like this, they are likely to start drafting one in the very near future.

These new laws are too important for legislatures, politicians, and law enforcement officials to overlook. Don’t flatter yourself and think they have your best interest at heart. In fact, the laws are likely to have been passed to generate a HUGE revenue stream to pad government coffers. The tickets are very likely to exceed $300 Dollars in California.

There is a company called Ticket Tutor, LLC that is currently working on a product to help people fight cell phone tickets. Ticket Tutor is an industry leader in teaching people how to fight traffic tickets without an attorney. In the meantime, we recommend that you buy yourself a good bluetooth headset or a hands-free cell phone to prevent getting a ticket.