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Calif. Texting Ban Hits Jan. 1

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2008 4:45 PM CST
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(Newser) – California is beefing up its distracted-driving laws, DailyTech reports, with a ban on adults texting while at the wheel going into effect Jan. 1. The state instituted a hands-free law in July, at the same time prohibiting teen drivers from texting and driving; the new law extends to adults, and allows police to cite drivers they believe to be reading or writing texts, with a minimum fine of $20.

This California driver doesn't quite seem to have the hang of hands-free cell use.
This California driver doesn't quite seem to have the hang of hands-free cell use.   (AP Photo)
A law mandating hands-free cell phones while driving went into effect in California in July; adults will be banned from reading or writing texts while at the wheel next week.
A law mandating hands-free cell phones while driving went into effect in California in July; adults will be banned from reading or writing texts while at the wheel next week.   (AP Photo)
A ban on texting while driving takes effect in California next week.
A ban on texting while driving takes effect in California next week.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
AnnieOkie58
Dec 27, 2008 6:59 AM CST
Thank GOODNESS...I hope every state does the same...There is nothing more dangerous... other than a drunk driver on the roads. I also wish stores and restrarunts would band the use of cell phones, or at least tell the user...to go out in the lobby....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
JMagic21824
Dec 26, 2008 9:27 PM CST
Yea, about time. Though texting while driving should be a common sense thing NOT to do.

More on the penalties for breaking the new law
Contra Costa Times

 
California • driving • texting • driver distraction • hands-free cell phone

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