9/18/06-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill into law Friday, Sept. 15, to require California drivers to keep their hands off their phones.
The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2008, bans hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device will still be permitted.
The new law, previously SB1613, makes it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators will face $20 fines. Repeat offenders will face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry. The two-way device exemption will be in place until July 1, 2011.

9/6/06-The Senate voted 21-15 on the last day of the regular session to approve Assembly changes to a bill that would require drivers to keep their hands off their phones. The bill now heads to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry. The two-way device exemption would be in place until July 1, 2011.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

8/31/06-The Assembly voted 50-28 Tuesday, Aug. 29, to approve a bill that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill has been returned to the Senate for approval of changes. If approved before lawmakers adjourn their 2006 session Thursday, Aug. 29, it would head to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has indicated strong support for the effort.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk two-way, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry. The two-way device exemption would be in place until July 1, 2011.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

8/29/06-A bill awaiting approval on the Assembly floor would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones.
The measure would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 must pass the Assembly before heading to the Senate for approval of changes. The conditions must be met before lawmakers adjourn their 2006 session Thursday, Aug. 31.
If the bill gains passage it would head to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has indicated strong support for the effort.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Among the exemptions listed in the bill are for emergency calls and using push-to-talk, or “walkie-talkie,” devices that are popular in the trucking industry.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

8/8/06-A bill that is nearing passage in the Legislature would require drivers to keep their hands off their phones.
The measure would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 received preliminary approval Monday, Aug. 7, on the Assembly floor. The bill has been sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. If approved there, it would move back to the chamber floor for a final vote before heading to the Senate for approval of changes. If all the requirements are met prior to the end of the regular session Aug. 31, it would go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk for his signature.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Emergency calls would be exempted. Another exemption was removed from the bill that would have allowed push-to-talk, or “walkie-talkie,” devices.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

6/28/06-The Assembly Transportation Committee voted 8-5 June 25 to approve a bill that would require drivers to keep their hands off their phones. The Senate already approved it.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Emergency calls would be exempted. Another exemption was removed from the bill that would have allowed push-to-talk, or “walkie-talkie,” devices.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.

6/5/06-The Senate voted 21-14 to approve a bill that would require drivers in the state to keep their hands off their phones. It has been forwarded to the Assembly.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1613 would ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
The bill would make it a secondary offense to drive while using a hand-held phone – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. Violators would face $20 fines. Repeat offenders would face $50 fines.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hasn’t taken a position on the bill.
For bill status, call (916) 651-4120.