CA Cell Phone Law: Does It Apply to Hams?

[SCPD]

The State Assembly yesterday approved heightened fines for cell phone use while driving and this brings up a question I've had since the law was enacted a few years back: does this law also apply to mobile use of HAM/CB/GMRS radios?

There's an interesting thread in the Amateur Radio section of RR about a New York amateur who was ticketed by a cop while using his radio while driving. Just wondering if any mobile radio operators in CA have similiary been ticketed.

Dave
KA6TJF

 

[RadioDaze]

Sort of depends on the interpretation of this:
"For the purposes of this section, "mobile service device"
includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal communication
device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop
computer with mobile data access, pager, and two-way messaging
device."
But "mobile service device" usage is prohibited by drivers or bicycle riders under the age of 18; it doesn't mention that restriction for drivers older than that.

Read the bill here:
Bill List

Nevertheless, if an officer considers a driver to be distracted and not in full control of the vehicle, he can ticket that driver.

 

[Mikek]

The use of dedicated two-way radios is (still) not affected.
The FAQ on the Ca DMV site addresses this: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/dl208_03cell_phone.pdf

 

[SCPD]

Good for us!

The use of dedicated two-way radios is (still) not affected.
The FAQ on the Ca DMV site addresses this: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/dl208_03cell_phone.pdf

Thanks for the link. And it clearly says that dedicated radio systems like CB are exempt from the law. Good for us!

KA6TJF