California continues its push for stricter penalties for talking and texting on hand-held cell phones while driving. The California Senate passed a bill this past August that would've increased fines for using a hand-held mobile device while driving, however, Gov. Jerry Brown, recently vetoed the bill.
Specifics of the Bill
Specifically, the new law would've increased fines for texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving from $208 to $328, including fees. On subsequent offenses, offenders would've received a $528 ticket and one point on their record.
The bill also included provisions for bicyclists. Any bicyclists caught talking or texting on their bicycle would've been fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists and proud supporter of the bill, said that talking on cell phones while moving is a bad idea regardless of whether you are on four wheels or two. He agreed that cyclists should be held to the same standard as drivers of motor vehicles.
The Governor's Veto
On September 7, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the legislation stating it would have made fines too expensive "for people of ordinary means." Brown included in a veto note that the current penalties were high enough to discourage cell phone use while driving a car.
Current Distracted Driving Laws in California
Despite the veto, the state of California has passed and implemented numerous laws aimed at reducing distracted driving. Currently, drivers cannot:
- Use a NON hands-free cell phone devices while driving
- Use wireless devises for text messaging while driving
- Use ANY type of cell phone (even hands-free) while driving if they are under 18, a school bus or transit driver
While these laws help, they are not enough and more is needed. Some say that change must come through voluntary citizen compliance if California distracted-driving accidents and fatalities are to decrease.
