Hands-Free Devices

As of July 1, 2008, the state of California requires motorists aged 18 and older to use a hands-free device for any cell phone usage occurring in a moving vehicle.  Drivers 18-years-old and younger are prohibited from engaging in any cell phone conversation whatsoever while in transit.  Because this law still in its infancy, it’s still hard to say exactly how it will affect your auto insurance premiums.  Read on for additional information regarding the new law and hands-free cell phone devices in general and using a cell phone while driving.

Can I still dial a wireless phone while driving?

The general consensus is that cell phones and driving can be dangerous, but dialing a cell phone is still allowed under the new law, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Will I get an insurance discount for using a hands-free cell device?

Each individual insurer has its own policy on this matter, although, generally speaking, any discount you might receive for using a hands free while driving will be quite small.  The bigger worry is the premium increase you could be slapped with if you’re ticketed for failure to use a hands-free device.  Although the actual ticket fines are still quite low for a hands-free violation, many insurers have seen an opening to use hands-free violations to boost premiums—much like they do for speeding tickets and other moving violations.

What are the ticket fines for failing to use a hands-free cell phone device?

Currently in the state of California, the base fine for the initial hands-free offense is $20, rising to $50 for subsequent convictions.  With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can amount to more than triple the base fine.

What states besides California have a similar law on the books?

Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington all require hands-free devices to be used while driving.  Additionally, four states make it illegal to text message while driving: Alaska, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington.

I’d like to avoid ticket fines and premium hikes: Got any tips?

Below, we’ve included a list of cell phone safety tips from the California DMV:

Get to know your cell phone and its features, such as speed dial and redial.

Carefully read your instruction manual and learn to take advantage of valuable features most cell phones offer, including automatic redial and memory. Also, work to memorize the phone keypad so you can use the speed dial function without taking your attention off the road.

When available, use a hands-free device.

A number of hands-free cell phone accessories are readily available today. Whether you choose an installed mounted device for your cell phone or a speaker phone accessory, take advantage of these devices if available to you.

Position your cell phone within easy reach.

Place your cell phone within easy reach and where you can grab it without taking your eyes off of the road. If you receive a call at an inconvenient time, if possible, let your voice mail answer it for you.

Suspend conversations during hazardous driving conditions or situations.

Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving. If necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be hazardous, but heavy traffic can be just as dangerous. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road.

Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.

If you are reading an address book or business card, or writing a “to do” list while driving a car, you are not watching where you are going. It’s common sense. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation because you’re reading or writing and not paying attention to the road or nearby vehicles.

Dial sensibly and assess the traffic. If possible, place calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic.

Try to plan your calls before you begin your trip, or attempt to coincide your calls with times you may be stopped, such as at a stop sign, red light or in a parking space. But, if you need to dial while driving, follow this simple tip: Dial only a few numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then continue dialing.

Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting.

Stressful or emotional conversations and driving do not mix — they are distracting and even dangerous when you’re behind the wheel of a car. Make people you are talking with aware you are driving and, if necessary, suspend conversations which have the potential to divert your attention from the road.

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