New CA Handsfree Law for Push-to-Talk Effective July 1st
Posted on Jul 5th 2011
CA Distracted Driving Update: Handheld use of push-to-talk cell phones are no longer legal for use by CA truck drivers as of July 1, 2011 — in state-speak, that’s “a digital two-way radio that utilizes a wireless telephone that operates by depressing a push-to-talk feature.” Truck and tractor-trailer operators will have to get hands-free accessories to be in compliance, just like the rest of us.
The state Senate has approved Sen. Joe Simitian’s SB 28, a reprise of his plan to more than double fines for distracted driving violations. A first offense would cost violators about $310 after court costs. The bill cleared the Assembly Transportation Committee on June 14, 2011.
In response to criticisms that California’s distracted driving laws are confusing, Simitian said: “This is the first year that I’ve come back to say let’s try to clarify and update the existing law. Some of the areas we’ll address this year, others we’ll look at over time.”
The 2010 version of the Simitian’s legislation died in an Assembly committee in August, although the Senate approved the bill June 3. The 2011 version differs in that points are assessed against a violator’s license only after a second infraction, and voice-operated electronic devices are allowed (inserted at the request of automakers).
California’s monthlong crackdown on distracted driving yielded more than 52,664 citations. The sweep came in conjunction with Distracted Driving Month (April). Statewide fatalities were down 7 percent from April 2010, but the Office of Traffic Safety said it wasn’t clear this had anything to do with the cell phone and texting crackdown.
Source: http://handsfreeinfo.com
Did you know? Bluetooth headsets cannot be used to initiate a Push-to-Talk message. You can hear audio however you have to press the button on the phone to initiate a PTT. The buttons on Bluetooth headsets only control regular voice calls.
Recommended Solutions
The following solutions feature PTT buttons which allow truck drivers to be compliant with the new law.
Over-the-Ear Headset With PTT Button
NNTN5004
