Existing law prevents a driver from using a cell or smart
phone to write, send, or read a text-based message.
The new law would allow someone to send or listen to text
messages while driving, as long as the phone is specifically
designed to allow voice-operated and hands-free text-based
communication...for example Apple's new iphone.
The bill's author, Republican Assembly member Jeff Miller, has
said that Americans spend an average of an hour a day commuting and
that it's unfair to require them to be out of touch while behind
the wheel.
The bill had very few opponents.
The law goes into effect on January first.