Can I use my speaker that is built into the phone....just wondering? I love my old phone. I do not want to upgrade..

timec, yes you can as long as it is on a stand of some kind, like the ones that plug into an air vent.  I don't understand the part of the law that allows texting but not talking, texting is far more dangerous than talking as most people cannot text with out looking at the phone, which of course takes their eyes off th road.

Pawz, our lawmakers are trying to get another law passed that will also make texting illegal -- it seems that no one really thought to include that in the original law.   

Why ask this question: "Will local law enforcement really crack down on the miscreants who insist on ignoring the ban?"

You (Bakersfield Californian) just ran an article a week ago stating that they will not.

Read your own paper!

I for one will not stick that stupid looking thing in my ear........I guess that I'll have 1 eye on my phone and the other eye will be on the lookout for the fuzz..........

I heard the fine was only 20 dollars...I may have to take my chances...

Timec- I will be using my speakerphone as well. I really do think those blue tooth pieces are ugly!!

michele, they aren't all ugly: http://www.jawbone.com/

I've got one I hate.  I may have to hack it and turn it into something a bit more me.

What about CB'ers?  Are they included in the ban?

www.popgadget.net/2008/06/cell_phone_radi.php

Posted by Tam    Category:

|

|

|

06. 13. 2008

Cell phone radiation and brain tumors

Come July 1, you can get a ticket for Talking While Driving in California. But no matter where we live, we all know we shouldn't drive while talking on cell phones because it increases the risk of accidents. An exception in California is car talk with a Bluetooth connection, but even hands-free phone time can be risky. Suppose you get distracted from driving because you're carrying on a Bluetooth argument with your cell service provider about mystery phone charges? Or with your kid for running up those charges?

But there's another potential danger from cell phones. What health risks, if any, might come from cell phone radiation? Especially risk of brain tumors?

I first wrote about this topic 8 years ago. While it's usually pleasant for a writer to discover that an ancient article is not yet out of date, this time it's a bit dismaying. In the year 2000 we didn't know for sure whether cell phone radiation could cause brain tumors. Now that cell phones are in the hands of maybe a billion people (and, more to the point, held to their ears only an inch or so from the brain), it's worrying to realize that nothing much has changed. We still don't know for sure.

As CNET recently observed, "So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results." Little more is known about the radiation risks today than back at the turn of the century. Additional studies published in the past few years claim that cell phone use is safe. But the studies didn't examine the effects of long-term and frequent phoning. Most of us will be using our cell phones for decades. Many of us use them for hours every day.

The CNET comment comes from its recent roundup of US government data on cell phone radiation levels for dozens of phone models sold in the US. The lists are preceded by a brief explanation of what they mean. They are organized by manufacturer, so it's easy to check yours out. There are also separate lists of the ten phones with the highest and lowest radiation emissions.

CNET's compilation was called to my attention by the New York Times's fine health columnist, Tara Parker-Pope. Take a look also at her previous piece on cell phone radiation and cancer. She describes comments from 3 high-profile neurosurgeons who battle their patients' brain tumors every day. The neurosurgeons all use cell phones, of course. But they also note that they don't hold the phones next to their ears. 'Nuff said.

Answer to the CB question that I asked earlier.

Know Your Facts About California Cellular Phone Law Starting July 1, 2008

Drivers 18 Years and Older

Q:  When do the new cellular phone laws take effect?
A:  The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.

Q:  What if I need to use my phone during an emergency and I do not have a hands-free device?
A:  The law allows a driver using a wireless telephone to make emergency calls, including, but not limited to, calls to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q:  What are the fine(s) if I am convicted?
A:  The base fine for a first offense is $20, and $50 for each subsequent conviction. The courts will impose additional administrative fees.

Q:  Will I receive a point on my driving record if I am convicted for a violation of the cellular phone law?
A:  No. The violation is a reportable offense; however, DMV will not assign a violation point.

Q:  Will a conviction appear on my driving record?
A:  Yes, but a violation point will not be added.

Q:  I drive a commercial vehicle and my phone has a "push-to-talk" feature that does not require me to place the phone to my ear, will I still be required to use a hands-free device?
A:  No. Only class "A" or "B" licensees operating a truck tractor as defined in Vehicle Code (VC) §655 or a motor truck as defined in VC §410 are allowed to use a "push-to-talk" feature. NOTE: This exemption does not apply to drivers of pickup trucks with commercial plates, even if the pickup truck is used for commercial purposes, for example, a contractor, landscaper, or other business.

Q:  May I use a dedicated two-way radio while driving?
A:  Yes. The use of dedicated two-way radios such as walkie-talkies and Citizen Band (CB) radios, which are not part of a wireless telephone, is not affected by the new law.

Q:  May I use a speaker-phone feature and hold the phone in my hand, but not next to my ear?
A:  No. The law requires you use a hands-free device with your phone. A "push-to-talk" feature is not allowed.
Q:  My car has a built-in hands-free mobile phone feature. Is this adequate or do I have to buy additional equipment?
A:  No. You do not need to purchase additional equipment. You may use your vehicle's hands-free mobile phone feature.

Q:  Are passengers covered by this law?
A:  No, this law applies to the persons driving a motor vehicle.

I don't see why this is such a big issue.

Nancy, you can use "push-to-talk", but only if you are an A or B driver or your push-to-talk isn't a feature on a phone.  So you can't use push-to-talk on a Motorola phone, but you can send a text message.  Nice law.