Text on a California Car Cell Phone – Get a Fine in January
Posted by: Flap in Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cell Phone
Let the bill-signing season begin. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed SB 28 by Sen. Joe Simitian to ban text messaging while driving.
The bill starts off with a $20 fine for offenders, with the fine escalating to $50 after the first offense. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Two years ago, Schwarzenegger signed Simitian legislation to require drivers to use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones.
Flap sees very little effect of the current cell phone law since everyone continues to use their cell phones while driving. The fines are low – $20. Why buy a $60.00 hands free device when the chances the cops will see pull you over are nil?
This is a “feel good” law and won’t eliminate accidents from inattentive driving which is the stated purpose.
Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, text messaging
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September 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The “feel good” law, I like that. I don’t think higher penalties are the answer either.
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September 26th, 2008 at 1:01 am
[...] Text on a California Car Cell Phone – Get a Fine in January (tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger text messaging) [...]
September 26th, 2008 at 5:39 am
I think once somebody highprofile is killed by someone driving while using a cellphone ,text or talking, then you´ll see enforcement and big time fines.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I would rather pay a $20 fine than buy an expensive hands-free device but then again, I always avoid text messaging while driving because I’m mature and wise enough to know that it’s really not safe. I don’t know about the others but that’s how it is. Why? You will stop text messaging because of the law or would you stop text messaging while driving because it could cost your life? tsk tsk tsk for those who think immaturely….
October 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Research has shown that texting while driving is more dangerous than drugs or alcohol! Think about that for a while!
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 am
nice post, thanks for sharing
July 1st, 2009 at 9:45 am
The penalty really should be higher. I can’t count the number of times I have seen near misses because somebody is paying more attention to their cell phone than driving their car.