July 1, 2008

That's the date the two new cellphone laws take effect. Three months remain until the crackdown. The basic rundown is simple: all drivers will be prohibited from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. No dialing while driving. If you're 18 or older you can use a hands-free device. If you're under 18, it's no phone, no way, no how, no time.

Police will be authorized to pull you over for using a cell phone. The base fine for a first offense is $20. It gets knocked up to $50 for second and subsequent convictions. Penalty assessments could bump the fines up to $76 for first-timers and $190 for repeat-offenders. However the DMV will not add violation points to your driving record for this offense. There are a number of specific caveats that modify the law, ie. you can use your phone in an emergency situation.

For more specifics on the new laws check out the California DMV website.