Answering that phone call or shooting off a quick text while waiting for the light to change can still net you hefty ticket, a state appeals court ruled yesterday. In a ruling that actually makes perfect sense, despite the defendant's argument that having one's foot on the brake is not the same as "driving", one judge wrote that accepting the driver's interpretation of the hands-free law would, "open the door to millions of people across our state repeatedly picking up their phones and devices to place calls and check voicemail (or text-based messages) whenever they are paused momentarily in traffic". more ›

After news leaked this week about California First Lady Maria Shriver amounting to nothing more than a hoodlum -- that is to say, she doesn't use a hands-free device on her cell when she drives -- she apologized for her reckless cellphone usage today. According to CBS, "Shriver says she will donate her favorite old cell phone to a program that helps domestic violence shelters." She went on to add, "That's my version of swift action with a higher purpose." more ›

Highway patrols will be on the hunt for any and all drivers who are still using their mobile communication devices sans Bluetooth device while driving. It seems there's some sort of "zero-tolerance campaign" happening right now for anyone driving with a cell phone to their ear. Although the state's hands-free law went into effect on July 1, 2008, many of you still refuse to use your hands-free devices. Which is wrong. While driving, your hands are meant to be used for a cigarette and/or fast food items. So, be on the lookout for cops on the lookout while you're on the roads, folks. more ›

Remember, you can no longer prattle away on your phones while driving after the mandatory hands-free cell phone law goes into effect tomorrow. And while the new law will not be as enforced as, say, the Click It or Ticket seatbelt rule, which became a car-ride standard over two decades ago, you can land yourself $100 ticket for talking on your pretty little iPhone while heading down Highway 280. But it's still legal to text-message until Jan. 1, 2009. Which? Makes no sense whatsoever. Anyway, hands-free devices are leaping off store shelves, so be sure to get yours today to perfect that look while avoiding a costly ticket from the fuzz.
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