Starting January 1st, 2017, it is now illegal for drivers to hold their cellphones or other electronic devices while driving in the state of California.
Regardless if you’re using your phone as a GPS or talking with the speaker to avoid putting it up to your ear can warrant a ticket.
The California Highway Patrol explains where a driver can safely place electronic devices in the car if you have to use it while driving.
“It can be mounted on the dashboard as long as it’s not blocking your view, at the same time, on the windshield. Like where your GPS would go, there’s a small part in lower right-hand corner or lower left-hand of our windshield but the main thing is that it shouldn’t obstruct your view and at the same time you’re going to be holding it with your hands,” said Officer Art Montiel.
Drivers may only use one finger to tap or swipe the screen.
The CHP said they have been keeping their eye out for drivers already violating the law.
“A lot of times when they’re texting and driving it’s very similar to when they’re under the influence. They can’t stay in the lane. They’re swerving in the lane. So that’s when we approach because they are focused on their phone and not on their surroundings…especially with a motorcycle officer those are actually easier for them to look at the driver without them knowing they are there,” he added.
Another new law directs the CHP to create motorcycle lane splitting “educational safety guidelines”. However, it makes it clear that lane splitting by motorcyclists between freeway lanes is still legal.
“Going back to common sense, don’t split lanes at 40, 50 miles per hour. Only do it when traffic is stopped or going really slow and I wouldn’t go any faster than 10 miles per hour or the speed of the other vehicles that are traveling,” Montiel said.
According to the CHP, fines depend on the counties you live in but the base fine is 20 dollars and 50 dollars for subsequent violations.
Read more on Balitang America.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
