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September 24, 2008
It's Official: Texting While Driving = Illegal
Photo by A.Wilson via Flickr
Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill today banning texting while driving in California. It will go into effect on January 1st, 2009.
"Building on legislation already helping save lives in California, I am happy to sign this bill because it further encourages safe and responsible driving," Schwarzenegger said in a release via the Sacramento Bee. "Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers' hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians."
The first offense will cost violators $76. Compare that to the $20 for first time violators of the cell phone use while driving law.
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The only person I know who got nailed on the cellphone/driving charge got hit for $96 -- first time charge -- when all was said and done. $20? Jackson, Schmackson.
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Wait, it only costs $20 if you get pulled over for talking on a cell? In other states they charge $300+! Someone let the governor know how to solve the budget crisis...
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Argh. I said this when the cell phone law went into effect but I'll say it again. There should NOT be a bunch of laws for all the things you can't do while driving. There should be 1 law that says if you are distracted to the point of being dangerous you are breaking the law. Anybody stupid enough to text while driving deserves what they get (although the person the slam into doesn't...).
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$20 is the fine. Everything adding up to $96 are court fees, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. So a $76 fine will be much more expensive than that after all is said and done depending if you fight it or not, etc.
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'...distracted to the point of being dangerous...' is basically not defined in any way. There would be so many lawsuits over what is considered distracted enough for one person, may not be for the other.
You might consider yourself a better multi-tasker than myself, but how can we truly prove that in a court of law?
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I wonder if browsing the web on your phone falls into this new law...?
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tell me how you enforce this.
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Except that I have been noticing an uptick in hand held cell phone usage over the past few weeks. Almost daring police to write them up or completely oblivious.
I would love to know if the cops are going to just let it go by the wayside or actually enforce this law. Especially since motorcyclists like myself were breathing a little easier for a few weeks there.
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This law will not be enforced, it's mostly a joke. What it will be good for is after you are hit by a texting person, if it is found that they were texting they will have less of a chance of getting off the hook. Unless you are cyclist, than they will probably still throw it out and say the cyclist shouldn't have run into the car.
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The inital base fine for both the cell phone and texting offenses are $20. But like Zach mentioned, after the fees and court costs are added on, it ends up costing you between 3-5 times as much.
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be sure you don't try and change the radio station yourself while driving! that option is next to do! :P
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This is beyond dumb. If I got pulled over for "texting," I'd just say that I was dialing a number to call via my bluetooth. And then what? Are they gonna demand to see my call log? Utter fucking stupidity.
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Yesterday I was driving in east Pasadena and saw a car unable to stay in their lane. When I caught up to it at red light - I saw the girl (20s) holding/smoking a cig with her left hand - while holding/talking on her cell with the right.
Where's the "no driving with your knees" law?
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So true, i have seen many more people lately talking on their cells. The bluetooth things suck and don't connect well.
But yeah, how are they going to tell that you are texting? That being said, texting IS the most dangerous thing you can do while driving.
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What about checking your e-mail on your blackberry while driving?
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Ok, texting illegalized - great.
But say I'm trying to... drill a hole into my new bowling ball while driving, is there any law against that????
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"You might consider yourself a better multi-tasker than myself, but how can we truly prove that in a court of law?"
Behind the wheel of a car is not the place to test one's multi-tasking skills. A driver should concentrate on DRIVING.
I agree with polaroidgirl. One law is enough. If they want to contest the ticket they need to prove they weren't driving while distracted.
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What about checking Google Maps on my iPhone while driving?
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good thing I only masturbate while driving.
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Would making a nasal exploratory expedition be considered distracted driving?
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We def now need laws for:
eating while driving
masturbating while driving
smoking while driving
reading while driving
applying make up while driving
and, perhaps, being an effing moron while driving.
The point I was making earlier is that all of this should fall under the category of reckless driving.
I do agree that this is helpful IF you happen to be the victim of someone texting (if you survive, that is).
Also, if I am a good enough multi tasker than I won't get pulled over, right? Because I won't be swerving or drawing attention to myself and no one will know I'm actually solving a Rubik's cube with my clutch foot.
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@acee
"I wonder if browsing the web on your phone falls into this new law...?"
@purp
"What about checking your e-mail on your blackberry while driving?"
@Marc22386
"What about checking Google Maps on my iPhone while driving?"
How's about all you retard fucks JUST DRIVE?! Ask your mommy what she did in the 70's/80's when she had to drive 2 hours to get somewhere.
Why MUST you browse the web? Can it not wait until you get to your job/home? Do you really need to know if #3 on your top 8 has posted another survey?
Same thing with your e-mail. What were you doing a few years ago when it wasn't capable? This cell phone dependency is sickening
And you have got to be kidding me with Google maps. Before you leave your house, go online and print out directions!
I am in complete awe that people all of a sudden act crippled if they can't text/dial/browse, etc...Turn on the radio and sing to yourself for 45 minutes or maybe stop ignoring the passenger in your car and have a conversation with a live human being