Taking the Mobile out of Mobile Phone

June 20th, 2004

On January 6^th, 2004 the DC City Council passed new legislation making it illegal for anyone to use a cell phone while driving without the use a hands-free device or in an emergency situation. According to the bill (264 Kb PDF), the fine for getting caught is $100 and a point on your license. The law will be effective July 1^st this year.

What I find most interesting is that the bill states:

"(b) This section shall not apply to the following... (3) Dialing a telephone number, entering information necessary to initiate communications, hanging up the telephone, or turning the telephone on or off."

Aren't these the actions that would most divert your attention from the road? Most modern phones will allow you to do all of these things, except for maybe turning the phone an and off. I would change the bill to include, if you want to drive and talk on the phone you need to upgrade to a truly hands free phone.

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