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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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Hello, New Cell Phone Law

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

It's been all the rage and everyone is talking about it -- today is day one of the new cell phone law. No more putting that phone to your ear unless it's an emergency. Otherwise, it's all about ear pieces or in-car systems (for more info on help buying the system for you, check out this post from LAist).

And if you choose to break the law, it will be depend onwhere you are, if you are seen and if the officers choose to pull you over. The California Highway Patrol has been the most vocal about no grace periods while San Diego and Oceanside are sticking to the beachside ethos and relaxing into the law with a 30-day grade period before tickets are actually issued. In Los Angeles and other areas where there are police shortages, officers will use their discretion.

Stores have been busy with sales of ear pieces. The Apple Store in Sherman Oaks keeps on running out of the iPhone ear pieces and was in low supply of other pieces last night, according to one manager.

Photo by Mike "Dakinewavamon" Kline via Flickr

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