Cell phone laws affect all who drive in California

If you're 18 or older and like to chitchat using your hand-held cell phone while driving, as soon as you drive into California you best be wearing a hands-free device.

A second law, also effective today, prohibits drivers under 18 from using a hand-held cell phone, head set or earpiece.

Also, don't expect the California Highway Patrol to let you off the hook today. They say they will immediately enforce the law and write you a ticket if you violate the law.

Wes Boerner, CHP spokesman in El Centro, reminds motorists that there is no such thing as a grace period.

"A lot of this has been in the books for the last two years and we're going to enforce it at the beginning of the first day. It's just the fact that you are having the conversation with someone that is not in the car and you're being distracted, not paying attention while you're driving."

Arizona currently does not prohibit drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving.

The initial fine for a violation of the California law will be $20 and any additional court fees, said Eric Price, CHP spokesman at the Winterhaven office. Fines for further offenses will double after that.

But officials say that even though the law in California doesn't make text messaging while driving a violation, they will pull you over if they see you are poorly or recklessly driving because of your phone.

"If we see you with the cell phone to the side of your head, holding it up to your ear, it's illegal," said Price. "But we're always looking for people who are driving unsafely. Even before the law took effect, we stopped people who were weaving in and out of the lane because they were distracted by the phone call."

It's pretty much the officer's discretion, he said.

If you are convicted of the cell phone use law in California, you will not get a violation point added on your driver's license, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles Web site. However, the violation will be a reportable offense.

Arizona law prohibits only school bus drivers from talking on cell phones while driving, and Phoenix prohibits drivers from text messaging while driving. Verizon Wireless, which touts itself as a supporter of the new California law, reminds Arizonans to be prepared when they drive into California.

"Arizona drivers need to comply with the new law when driving in our neighboring state," said Tony Heyman, regional president of Verizon Wireless. "If wireless users choose to use a phone while driving, it's important that they know the law, responsible driving tips and their hands-free options."

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Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.