New Cell Phone Law Takes Effect July 1, 2008
As of July 1, a new California law takes effect that requires drivers to use a hands-free device while using their cell phone. A hands-free device can be a headset or it can be a microphone/speaker system that’s on your cell phone or installed in your car.
People Under 18 Cannot Talk or Text While Driving
The new law also applies to people under 18. They will not be allowed to use a cell phone or text messaging while driving.
For most of us complying with the new law will be very simple—we just have to buy and setup a wired or wireless headset for our cell phone. An important note: you must not cover both ears with your headset while driving-that is against the law and you can be ticketed for it. This article will discuss wired and wireless headset options and recommendations.
Wired Headsets
Wired headsets offer the lowest prices, the best sound quality, and the most reliability. They fall short on the “coolness factor” however. Many cell phones come with a headset jack that you can plug a wired headset into. There’s no configuration with a wired headset-just plug it in and talk. Wired headset prices start at around $15, and there are several styles to choose from, such as over-the-head or behind-the-ear.
Wireless (Bluetooth) Headsets
Wireless headsets use a short-range wireless technology called Bluetooth (who comes up with theses technical names anyway?) Bluetooth devices typically cover distances from 3-30 feet, so they’re perfect for use with cell phones. In order to use a Bluetooth headset, you need three things:
- A Bluetooth-compatible cell phone
- A Bluetooth headset that’s compatible with your phone
- Configure the cell phone and the headset to work together
To find out if your cell phone is Bluetooth-compatible, check with your cell phone provider. I’ve listed several popular cell phone providers’ websites below.
Bluetooth Headset Suggestions
| Notes | Model | Est Price |
| Top Rated | Aliph Jawbone | $99 |
| Top Value | Plantronics Voyager 520 | $55 |
| Top Budget | Jabra BT125 | $38 |
Where to Buy
Wired and Bluetooth headsets can be purchased from your cell phone provider, local office supply store, electronics stores, and online at places like www.headsets.com , www.amazon.com , or www.plantronics.com.
Cell Phone Providers Websites
| AT&T (also for iPhone) | www.wireless.att.com | 1-888-333-6651 |
| Sprint/Nextel | www.sprint.com | 1-800-SPRINT1 |
| T-Mobile | www.t-mobile.com | 1-877-387-4324 |
| Verizon | www.verizonwireless.com | 1-800-922-0204 |
Special Offer for Lafayette Chamber Members and Lamorinda Residents only. Free Bluetooth Headset Installation
co-sponsored by Nerd4Rent, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Contra Costa Stationers and the Lamorinda Weekly
Because we understand that setting up Bluetooth may be challenging for some people and because we want to promote driving safety, Nerd4Rent is making this very special offer to Lafayette Chamber members and Lamorinda Residents: Nerd4Rent will setup your Bluetooth headset for you at no charge. One headset per company or client.
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
| May 22 | Thu | 5-7 pm | Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, 100 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette |
| June 3 | Tue | 12-2 pm | Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, 100 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette |
| June 12 | Thu | 12-2 pm | Contra Costa Stationers, 3463-D Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette |
| June 17 | Tue | 5-7 pm | Nerd4Rent, 3503 Mt. Diablo Blvd Ste 4, Lafayette |
| June 26 | Thu | 5-7 pm | Nerd4Rent, 3503 Mt. Diablo Blvd Ste 4, Lafayette |
Important To Do Prior to Bluetooth Headset Installation:
- Make sure to fully charge your cell phone and Bluetooth headset
Important To Bring to Bluetooth Headset Installation:
- Your Cell Phone and Bluetooth headset
- Your cell phone and Bluetooth headset user manuals
If you’d like more details on the new law, the Department of Motor Vehicles website link is: www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm
© Edward Zeidan 2008. Edward Zeidan is president of Nerd4Rent, Inc., a Lafayette-based technical support company that serves small businesses and individuals with all their technical needs. Nerd4Rent offers on-site support, remote support and maintenance plans. Nerd4Rent can be reached at (925) 283-5666.
