Cell phone ban changes car culture
By Mike Saelee
July 7, 2008 8:45 a.m.
For most college-aged motorists, talking on a cell phone while driving was a quick and convenient way to talk to parents or friends.
But a new cell phone law has changed that culture last week. Motorists now pay fines if they are caught holding a cell phone while driving.
The California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act, which became law July 1, prohibits all drivers in California from holding and talking on handheld wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site.
The violation is a reportable offense that will appear on a person’s driving record.
But the offense will not accumulate violation points, so the chances for getting a suspended license for violating this particular law are very low, noted the DMV Web site.
UCLA students express mixed opinions about the new law, which has penalties, according to the DMV, of $20 for the first offense and $50 for each offense afterward.
“I don’t like the cell phone law that much, but I also don’t like people talking on the phone while driving. (Cell phones) are a distraction,” said David Azizyan, a physiological science student who also said the fees for the violation were justified as a deterrent for reckless driving.
Mona Ighani, a history student, said the fines could be a little smaller, but the law was fair to not include a prohibition on eating or drinking beverages while driving.
“I do think it’s fair that (eating or drinking beverages is) not regulated,” said Ighani. “It’s more difficult to regulate.”
Along with the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department, university police may write up citations for any violations, said Nancy Greenstein, director of police community services at UCLA.
“UCPD officers enforce laws of the state of California including the cell phone law,” Greenstein said. “We are an authorized state police agency with primary jurisdiction on campus … and concurrent jurisdiction in the areas adjacent to campus.”
Motorists who wish to communicate while driving may do so with hands-free devices such as a Bluetooth headset or a speakerphone function on a wireless device.
Instead of paying for new equipment, Ighani says she intends on using her speakerphone.
Azizyan also disagreed with purchasing new equipment and has chosen not to use his phone while driving.
“I’m against the whole paying for something I don’t really need,” said Azizyan. “It’s just another scapegoat for Californian politicians to boost the economy with some revenue.”
