On July 1, dont dial and drive or you will be cited
Tuesday, July 1, 2008, is the effective date of two new laws, sections 23123 and 23124 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The first law places restrictions on persons, ages 18 and over, who utilize a wireless telephone device while driving a motor vehicle. The second law prohibits persons, under the age of 18, from utilizing a wireless telephone device while driving a motor vehicle.
CVC Section 23123 states that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and it is being used in that manner while driving.
CVC Section 23124 states that a person who is under the age of 18 years is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even when equipped with a hands free device, it also prohibits them from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile service device (laptop computer, mobile data access device, two-way messaging device, etc).
Both of these new laws include an exemption for the use of wireless telephones or mobile service devices for emergency purposes.
Because this is a safety issue, beginning July 1, we will begin enforcing these new laws. If you are observed talking on your cell phone, without using a hands free device, there is a good chance you will be cited. The base fine for the first offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. However, additional penalties and court assessments raise these fines to $76 for the first conviction and $190 for subsequent convictions.
The Temecula Police Department would like to encourage drivers to take the necessary steps now to ensure they are in compliance with these new laws by July 1, 2008. This is a driver safety issue and we are seeking to educate drivers and gain their voluntary compliance with these new laws by getting the word out in advance of July 1, 2008.