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2008 New Driving Laws 2008 Hands-Free & Cell-Phone Laws Read "Hands Free Phones" or Email This Link

2008- Six New Driving Laws Target Minors & Cell-Phones

In 2008 six states have new laws going into effect that relate specifically to cell-phone use and text messaging by the driver of a vehicle. Some of the new laws are secondary enforcement laws that will not be enforced unless the driver is violating a primary law such as speeding, reckless driving or running a red light. All of these new laws provide exceptions for emergencies, reporting illegal activity and use by public safety officials.

California has two new driving laws that relate to hands-free cell-phone use and minors. The first law is called Senate Bill 1613 and goes into effect on July 1 st 2008. The new driving law prohibits the use of a wireless telephone while driving unless a hands-free device is used as a talking and listening device. The other new California driving law is Senate Bill 33. This law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or any mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. Unlike the other new California driving law, there are no exceptions for hands-free devices.
New - Read the California Highway Patrol "Hands-Free" FAQ

Illinois also has two new driving laws that will go into effect on January 1 st , 2008. One of the new laws is Senate Bill 140. This bill prohibits drivers under the age of 19 from using any type of hand-held communication device such as a cell-phone or text messaging device while operating a motor vehicle. The other new law falls under the same bill and prohibits school bus drivers from using a cell-phone while the bus is transporting children to and from school.

Nebraska has their first cell-phone legislation going into effect on January 1 st , 2008. Legislative Bill 415 prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device while driving. This legislation includes personal digital assistants (PDA's), mobile or cellular telephones, messaging devices, audio-video players that send or receive messages, and laptop computers. This bill is a secondary enforcement law.

New Jersey has had a hands-free law since 2004, but in November of 2007 the law has been amended from a secondary enforcement law to a primary law. This means a driver that violates the hands-free cell phone law can be pulled over and ticketed solely on the basis of using a cell-phone without a hands-free device. The amendment also prohibits text-messaging while driving. The text-messaging portion of the bill is effective on March 3 rd , 2008.

Oregon has passed a new law that goes into effect on January 1 st , 2008. Oregon House Bill 2872 prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of mobile communication device while they are operating a motor vehicle. The law includes text-messaging device and does not include an exception for hands-free devices. The law includes drivers under 18 and driving with a provisional driver's license, a special student or instruction permit. This new law is only enforceable as a secondary offense.

Washington State has two new driving laws that relate to cell-phone use and text-messaging. The text-messaging ban begins the January 1 st 2008. This new law is called EHB 1214 and it prohibits the use of an electronic wireless communications device to send, read or write a text message. The other new law is ESSB 5037. This new driving law goes into effect on July 1 st, 2008 and prohibits drivers from holding a wireless communication device to their ear. There are exceptions for tow truck drivers, emergency vehicles and talking in hands-free mode. The two new laws in Washington State are secondary enforcement laws. If you are ticketed for text-messaging, the infraction will not become part of your driving record and the information is given to insurance companies or employers.