The new cell phone law took effect on July 1 and has been filled with much controversy. Some people are angry, some confused and some satisfied. However, students on campus seem to have positive feelings about it.

“I think it’s a great law,” Robert Taketo said. “If you’re talking on your phone without the head set, you should be punished, it’s the law. It’s just like karma; what goes around, comes around.”

Students support law

There is a shared opinion by some students on campus that this law is imperative to the way we drive and essential to preventing injuries and even fatalities.

“It’s a very good law,” Mike Read, senior psychology major, said. “Cognitive resources are being used, thus dividing your attention. In the end, you just react slower, and that’s dangerous for everyone.”

Little is needed to adjust to this new law, according to junior music major Alyssa Moss.

“Whenever someone calls me on my cell phone while I’m driving, I just put it on speaker phone,” Moss said. “I don’t even need that ear thingy. Then I can still talk on the phone without breaking the law.”

Campus police vigilant

In the midst of it all, University Police have taken much into account. Changes are in the making and the new law will be defended like other state or city laws.

“University Police will be handling this law just like any other,” Amy Armstrong, Public Relations Representative, said. “Officers will be citing anyone driving while using their wireless phone without the hands free head set.”

In addition, University Police will be posting their mobile electronic signs on major streets around campus to remind drivers of the new law.

The Fresno Police Department has already given out an abundance of citations in the last two months.

“Roughly 1,000 tickets have been given for the adult portion of the law since the bill passed in July,” Jeff Cardinale, Public Information Officer for the City of Fresno, said.

Emergency situations the only exceptions

The law states that the only way you can use the handset is in an emergency. The driver is allowed to use their wireless phone to call a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department or other emergency services agency.

Cardinale said one of the main issues in giving these tickets is when the offender claims that he or she is using the phone for an emergency when indeed that is not the case. In these situations the offender is required to prove the emergency and the need to notify emergency personnel.

The exact wording of the vehicle code states, “23123 (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.”

The law only covers phone conversations, not text messaging. Even though the law does not specifically address text messaging, a driver can be pulled over by an officer if it is their opinion that the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely.

Minors not allowed use of hands-free devices

Drivers under 18 years of age are not allowed to use a wireless phone or hands free devise at all while driving. This also does not include text messaging.

The Vehicle Code pertaining to minors states, “23124: This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years. (b) Notwithstanding Section 23123, a person described in subdivision (a) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device.”

The consequences to these offences are fines. The cost of the first offence is $20 and $50 for each subsequent conviction. Offenders will not receive a point against their driver’s license; but the violation will appear on their driving record.