No phone...Now no texting!! WTF?

[Ken]

LOL...just kidding.

In case you all didn't know......you can't act like a teenager anymore while driving.


No-text Law Goes Into Effect January 1, 2009

Starting January 1, 2009 a new law will go into effect where writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication while driving will be against the law for all drivers in California.

[Norcalbmxer]

CHAPTER 270

An act to amend Section 12810.3 of, and to add Section 23123.5 to, the

Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.

[Approved by Governor September 24, 2008. Filed with

Secretary of State September 24, 2008.]

legislative counsel's digest

SB 28, Simitian. Motor vehicles: electronic wireless communications

device.

(1) Under existing law, on and after July 1, 2008, it is an infraction for

any person to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless

that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and

talking operation, and is used in that manner while driving, except as

otherwise provided. A violation point is not given for a violation. A violation

is punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each

subsequent offense.

This bill would also prohibit a person from driving a motor vehicle while

using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read

a text-based communication, except as specified. The bill would also provide

that a violation point is not given for a violation of these provisions and

would impose a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each

subsequent offense. By creating a new infraction, the bill would impose a

state-mandated local program.

(2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local

agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory

provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for

a specified reason.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 12810.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

12810.3. (a) Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a

violation point shall not be given for a conviction of a violation of

subdivision (a) of Section 23123, subdivision (a) of Section 23123.5, or

subdivision (b) of Section 23124.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.

SEC. 2. Section 23123.5 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

23123.5. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an

electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a

text-based communication.

(b) As used in this section “write, send, or read a text-based

communication” means using an electronic wireless communications device

to manually communicate with any person using a text-based

communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to

as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.

(c) For purposes of this section, a person shall not be deemed to be

writing, reading, or sending a text-based communication if the person reads,

selects, or enters a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless

communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone

call.
(d) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine

of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each

subsequent offense.

(e) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional

using an electronic wireless communications device while operating an

authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and

scope of his or her duties.

SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6

of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that

may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because

this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction,

or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of

Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime

within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California

Constitution.







I swear officer I was only dialing the phone number

Wonder how many times I can get away with that

[ATV'er]

now what happens if I am surfing the web on my phone?

[hemingray]

That will be Act III in the never-ending quest for government regulation of everything.

[DAVE]

ya but my dog can still ride on my lap,,,,,,,,,

[Norcalbmxer]

That will be Act III in the never-ending quest for government regulation of everything.

Its only because the government knows whats best for each of us

[Ken]

ya but my dog can still ride on my lap,,,,,,,,,

ROFL. Yeah...that doesn't distract a driver at ALL.

[MrBill]

Next will be reading your GPS screen...

[roon101]

ok i am scard to ask why is the dog on your lap

and you can get a ticket for gps being put up under you mirror
trust me.

and yes the dog can be on you lap but can't be in the car alone
so some must stay with dog as is now treated as a child under the
age of 14 years old.

well hopfully iphone lets google come out with voice serch app on iphone
and then some one will create voice text and were all good.

[Kodiak]

exactly, thanks mommy government, for taking care of me i don't know what i would have done if i had been allowed to txt while driving!!!

[hemingray]

and you can get a ticket for gps being put up under you mirror trust me.

Yep - but if you can find a way to attach it to the mirror, it's legal. In CA it's just not legal to attach it to the windshield!