OFF THE WIRE
SANTA CRUZ - Californians may have seen this one coming down the road, but many are unaware of its arrival, officials said.
Beginning
on Sunday, drivers across the state with close relationships to their
cell phones will have to curb their habits while operating a vehicle.
Making
phone calls and texting without a hands-free device is already outlawed
while driving. State Assembly Bill 1785, signed by the governor in
September, takes the law a step further — making it illegal for drivers
to use their wireless electronic devices, including phones and laptops,
for other uses as well.
The ban encompasses everything from
reading social media updates at stop lights and typing in driving
directions to taking scenic photos and scrolling for the perfect song
selection. Permitted phone operation is limited to tasks that require
just a single finger tap or swipe, and only while the device is mounted
on the car and out of the user’s hands.
Read more: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/government-and-politics/20161230/dont-touch-that-phone-state-cracks-down-on-wireless-use-by-drivers
