A week after California drivers had to surrender their cell
phones, dozens of motorists are paying the price for their
drive-time jabbering.
A week after California drivers had to surrender their cell phones, dozens of motorists are paying the price for their drive-time jabbering.
Officials at the Hollister-Gilroy California Highway Patrol office have issued 16 cell phone citations, two in San Benito County and 14 in Santa Clara County, Officer Chris Armstrong said. He hasn’t pulled any drivers over himself, but noticed many more drivers using hands-free devices.
“The public is aware,” he said. “There have been a lot of ads and warning signs.”
The law that prohibits cell phone use while driving in California was passed in January 2007, so drivers have had a year and a half grace period to get used to the idea, he said.
When pulled over, “people give excuses but they know they’re breaking the law,” Armstrong said.
Gilroy police have issued seven citations, Sgt. Jim Gillio said, and Morgan Hill police have issued four, said Records Clerk Donna MacKnight. The Sheriff’s Office was unable to provide specific numbers.
While drivers should have known about the hands free law, some might be surprised when they pull out their pocketbooks to pay up. The $20 base fine for a first offender translates to a hefty $94 once penalties and court fees are factored in, said Carl Schulhof, public information officer for Santa Clara County Superior Court. A second offense costs $203.50.
Despite big costs, drivers do not receive a point on their driving record for talking while driving, Armstrong said. While the law means hands-free for adults, no communication – talking or texting – is allowed for drivers under 18, he said. Drivers over 18 may use the speaker phone function or text while driving. However, texting is discouraged, Armstrong said, and State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), the legislator who worked to outlaw using a hand-held device while driving, has proposed legislation that would ban texting.
“People do all kinds of things as they drive – reading, eating, putting on makeup, reaching for the radio – that take their attention away from the roadway,” Armstrong said. “Many vehicle collisions are a result of distractions like these. Phones are a distraction that will hopefully be eliminated.”
