Recent chnges to California state law could possibly change the way in which California motorists use their cell phones. As of July 1st, it is against the law in California for most motorists to use cell phones without a hands-free device while driving. Passed in 2006, Vehicle Codes 23123 and 23124 are both laws aimed at preventing car accidents that result from the distraction of cell phones.
Code 23123 is directed towards cell phone use by persons over the age of 18. This law states that only drivers over the age of 18 may use a cell phone while driving, and any adult caught operating a phone without a hands-free device will be subject to a $20 fine for a first offense and $50 for additional offenses. Drivers need not fear, however, for lawmakers put in several important exceptions. Drivers are allowed to use their phones without a hands-free device if they are calling a health care provider, the police, the fire department, or another emergency service, and most government employees conducting business related to their job are also exempt from required hands-free calls.
Code 23124 concerns the use of cell phones by drivers under the age of 18. Citing studies that show that minors are more likely to have an accident, be distracted, and take more risks while driving, Code 23124 prohibits drivers under 18 from using cell phones with or without a hands-free device. While minors may also use the phone in order to call emergency services, parents in California now have to not only wonder if their kids are driving safely, but also whether they are violating state law while talking with or texting a friend.
Luckily, it is easy to determine from a cell phone bill when and how often your child is making calls and from there determine how likely it is that they are talking while driving. Of course, before confronting them with your discovery, you might want to know who they were talking to as well — just in case it was the local police. This is where resources like a reverse phone lookup come in handy — to help parents make sure their kids are safe, both on the road and on the phone.
Terry Taggert writes informational articles about people search, privacy, reverse phone lookups, and other similar topics. Conduct an instant reverse cell phone lookup at http://www.ReversePhoneDetective.com
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