California -- Illegal to use Ham Radio while Driving

[Chief220]

For those who haven't heard, California's AB 1785 was passed in 2016 and went into effect on 1/1/2017. Among other things, by varied interpretations it effectively prohibits use of ham, CB, and commercial radios while driving. This has created outrage throughout the amateur radio community. In which case, amateurs in California and across the US are working to repeal AB 1785, so if you would like to join the effort, please consider signing the petition below. The goal is to reach 75,000 signatures, so we need every bit of help we can get.

https://www.change.org/p/california...ium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

 

[Weaksignal]

I signed it.

 

[Otto]

So does that also include cops, firefighters, and city employees that talk on two way radios while driving? If not, it should.

 

[KF6DGN]

Where was the ARRL when it was introduced?

 

[prcguy]

This was posted on the "papa system" repeater page and now the CHP does not consider amateur radio and other two way radios with a wired microphone to be part of AB 1725 cell phone law.

"Whether intentionally or unintentionally vague, interpretations of this language have ranged from applying to all mobile communications (a traffic court commissioner speaking to a radio club) to excluding mobile radios (a CHP spokesperson in Orange County). One of our ARRL Volunteer Counsel attorneys spoke with a staff member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, which introduced the bill. The staffer told him that the law was intended to apply to smartphones and similar broadband devices, not to Amateur Radio or other radio communication services. Another Volunteer Counsel attorney is attempting to get a clarifying statement to that effect entered into the official record.

Meanwhile, CHP in Sacramento has provided guidance to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office that wired microphones permissible but handheld radios are not. Until the law is amended or clarified, it might be prudent for California Hams to avoid wielding a handheld while driving."
prcguy

 

[Chief220]

Here is a link to the vehicle code/law if you want to read what it says in writing: Law section.

 

[theoleman]

Sounds like a good reason for a remote PTT and a visor mounted microphone.

 

[mikewazowski]

Please continue discussion in the existing thread in the California forum.