SB 1613: Hands-free Cellphones (2006)
Summary
As of July 1, 2008, SB 1613 (2006) requires California drivers who choose to use their cell phone to do so using any of the readily available technology which allows them to drive with both hands on the wheel.
Final Status and Text
SB 1613 is no longer active. Its final status was:Signed into Law
You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.
Background Information
Need for the Bill:
- Cell phones are the #1 cause identified in distracted driving accidents for all five years that the CHP has collected data.
- In 2004, data collected by the CHP showed “hand-held” drivers were associated with 25 times more accidents than “hands-free” drivers.
- The public supports hands free cell phone requirements by huge margins. All polls show that 70-75% of the public supports a hands free law.
- AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and Cingular all urge their customers to use hands-free devices while driving.
- Sprint-Nextel is the only opposition to SB 1613, yet they tell their own customers in driving safety pamphlets to “Use a hands-free device such as an ear bud or headset while driving so you can focus your attention on safety.”
- The bill is supported by a diverse group, including both state firefighter organizations, Verizon Wireless, Driving Schools Association of California, Kaiser, Health Net, 21st Century Insurance and the California Bicycle Coalition.
News & Press Releases about SB 1613
05/14/2012 - Senate Passes Simitian Bill To Strengthen Hands-Free and No Texting Laws03/05/2012 - Research Confirms Effectiveness of California's Distracted Driving Laws
08/15/2011 - Legislature Passes Simitian Bill To Strengthen Hands-Free And Texting Laws
04/01/2010 - A Cellphone Fine, Billed as Small, Is No Longer That
02/22/2010 - Simitian Legislation To Strengthen Hands-Free/Texting Laws
02/17/2010 - Highway Deaths and Crashes Drop in First Year of Hands-Free Cell Phone Law
10/21/2009 - Hang up and drive: State, city work to corral distractions while driving
07/16/2008 - Capitol Focus: Hands-Free Cellphone Law
06/17/2008 - CA Officials Remind Drivers Of Hands-Free Law
05/13/2008 - Hands-free phones are lifesavers, study says
05/13/2008 - ABC 7 Report on the Hands-Free Law
05/13/2008 - PPIC Research Shows Hands-Free Law A Lifesaver
05/13/2008 - Hands-free cell phone law in effect soon
04/08/2008 - Take Two: Cell Phones
03/24/2008 - Keep your hands off the cell phone come July
08/27/2007 - Teen Cell Phone Ban While Driving Passes State Assembly
07/09/2007 - Distracted Drivers Face Penalties for Negligence on the Road
04/26/2007 - State Senate Passes Simitian Bill To Prohibit Teens' Use Of Cell Phones While Driving
09/14/2006 - MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor to Sign Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill
05/26/2006 - Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill Passes State Senate