Grace Period Over for California’s hands-free law

As we all know, the state of California went into a hands-free cellphone ban on July 1st. All drivers must use hands-free devices while driving or face the hefty fines.

A few selected cities, mostly San Diego and National City were kind enough to gave drivers a 30 day grace period. In that motorists would only receive warnings for talking on their cell. Today, July 31st, 2008, that changes. The grace period is over and the full ban is in affect.

Since July 1, the California Highway Patrol has issued 277 citations in San Diego County and 6,278 statewide, many more have not yet to be recorded.

Oceanside police also announced a 30-day grace period, but gave officers the discretion to write a ticket. About a dozen citations were issued, Oceanside police Sgt. Kelan Poorman said.

First-time offenders are fined at least $97. Subsequent violations cost at least $211.

Drivers are getting the message, said Officer Brad Baehr, a spokesman for the CHP's San Diego office. “I see a ton of headsets,” he said. “I think people are taking it to heart.”

New Jawbone Preview

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 15, 2008 - Aliph, the established market leader in noise eliminating Bluetooth® headsets, today introduced the new Jawbone® Bluetooth headset. In the tradition of bringing together science and beauty, the new Jawbone design is 50% smaller than the original award-winning Jawbone, and features breakthrough noise elimination technology to provide even better voice quality than the original in a smaller and more ergonomic package. It is available today exclusively at AT&T retail stores and at www.jawbone.com or www.wireless.att.com.

Aliph was kind enough to send me a unit for review, which I got a few days ago. I'll be posting a full review of this device this week. But so far, it's great. So fun to use, I get excited when I hear the phone ringing when connected to the Jawbone.

I found a nice comparison of the newer model vs his older-and-larger counterpart. I'm working on the review now, but for now, check out nice Jawbone 2 review on Paulstamatiou.com

I'm linking a video showing the filtering capablities of the Jawbone, enjoy!

Car manufacturers are including hands-free in new models

Toyota Motor, U.S.A., Inc. currently offers integrated Bluetooth hands-free wireless systems in 15 models and will make it available on the all -new 2009 Venza when it goes on sale this fall.
With more and more states enacting laws that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones, Toyota is now integrating a built-in hands-free device into the new models. This would be a convenient way to connect your car with your handheld cellphone.

Bluetooth hands-free systems are available on Toyota RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models with a JBL audio unit. The system is also available on Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Solara models with the JBL audio unit or DVD navigation system.

This would work as a build-in wireless hands-free. Your cellphone would connect with the car wirelessly and use the cars built-in microphone for talking and blasting the sound on your cars large stereo system. There is no need to connect any interface cables between the phone and the vehicle. Simply need to connect the phone by "pairing" to the Toyota.

What's so cool about it?

-- Integrated phone operation utilizes built-in microphone and audio speakers.
-- One touch call answering via the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen.
-- Automatic audio mute when receiving or making a call.
-- Place a call from an outgoing or the incoming call log
-- Voice command functions also allow the driver to make or receive calls.

Owners can refer to the LetsTalk Web site at toyota.letstalk.com for a listing of compatible phones and functionality.

How’s the new California law doing?

Two weeks have passed since the California cellphone ban came into effect. On July 1st, motorist drivers needed to start using hands-free devices to talk legally. Let's see how seriously CA drivers are taking this new law.

In the last 14 days the highway patrol has ticketed more than 2,500 drivers statewide. Local Police have written around 200 or so citations. Fines start at $20 for first time offenders and $50 for subsequent violations. But after adding court fees, that number could triple itself to ~$70. That's a cool $200k for The Terminator's state to reel. While we still catch people talking in the car, the situation looks promising.

The head of Clovis' Traffic Unit says so far, so good. Sergeant Alex Campos said: "I've been surprised, pleasantly surprised, by the high number of motorists in compliance with the new law."

That's it for now - hope to see the number of tickets reduced in the upcoming months.

For more information, check out California's cellphone laws.

“Hands-Free” Starting Today in California & Washington