The most important thing to remember is the Can Do's and Can Don'ts!
Here's the kicker, you can use your phone but don't touch it! Voice commands or single-touch activation only without holding the phone. Careful however, this can also lead to many distractions if your not careful.
Okay now, let us also be smart about this. It does not mean you can Live Stream your favorite show or event. It does not mean you can video chat either. That should already be a BIG NO!
Now if you have GPS on your phone like most of us or are using a GPS Device, like this one, Garmin Navigator System, https://amzn.to/2Lw64QS or a get yourself a TomTom Go System https://amzn.to/2O7IFHJ. Now here is the cool thing. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the Hands-Free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving.
Is it okay to hold your phone in a hijab, head wrap, and/or scarf? Well although it is not against the law because it is technically hands free, we must always be diligent. If for any reason you remove that phone while you are driving, from your head wear, regardless it's a violation. Only a driver can hold the phone in their hand unless it’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety. Just so you know, this law exempts authorized vehicles performing emergency duties.
NOW Pay Attention Parents and Teenagers! This law applies to teenagers as well, even if you are under the age of 18. You can still listen to your favorite podcasts but no hand held scrolling! Set it, listen to it, (even through the annoying commercials) and leave it alone.
What about my Smart Watch? Does that count?
Smart Watches, such as, Apple Watch https://amzn.to/2Y8sOws, Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch https://amzn.to/2JXpISG, and/or updated 2019 version Smart Watch for Android https://amzn.to/2XSr4Iu. You will be pleased to know, that is going to be just fine. You must know however they are considered an electronic communications device under the hands-free law, so it does have the same restrictions, so please don't type or text on it!
Does this Law Apply to Law Enforcement?
You bet it does! So if you see them, in a non-emergency, using their cell phone while driving. You can report it! Just so you know though, some agencies have taken a proactive approach in order to help reduce or eliminate hand-held phone use. Like this for an example, the Minnesota State Patrol has instituted a policy that requires troopers to use their phones only in hands-free mode.
What about the 100 other distractions that can happen while your driving? Why aren't they part of this?
Yes, we get it too. Just think of this, there are so many distractions while driving but using a cell phone has it's own unique category. We all use them and it becomes somewhat complex. Just remember to avoid other distractions as well and be safe on the road.
Okay, so what happens if I get caught using my cell phone unauthorized on and after August 1st, 2019? What's the penalty?
That's an excellent question. Glad you asked. So here's the skinny. Your first ticket will cost you $50 plus court fees, and if you get a second or more offenses it's $275 plus court fees. That's a lot of money for just holding your phone to text "Hey" or "What's up?", plus remember by keeping your phone hands free it keeps you and others safe so everyone wins.
Does it really make roads safer?
Well let's see. 12 out pf 15 states are already enforcing this new law and deathly car crashes went down by an amazing 15% already, and if we do our part, that percentage can increase. [Source: National Safety Council and Insurance Federation based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data].
What are the best ways to go hands-free?
This may be obvious to some but I just need to say it. Try putting it into your glove compartment, some phones have a "do not disturb" app option on their phone, or try putting it in your back seat. Whatever works best for you for safety and no fines.
It's better to use a single earphone, with a built-in microphone. Like these, Bluetooth devices, there is a Bluetooth Headset from Comexion around $36.99, https://amzn.to/2JNyWRy, or a Bluetooth Earpiece Link Dream Wireless Headset with Mic, on sale now for only $16.99, https://amzn.to/2xXlyol. Try this out. An Aigital Bluetooth Hands free Car Kit Speakerphone Wireless in-Car Speaker Motion, AUTO Power ON Sun Visor, Audio Receiver Adapter, HD Sound for Hands Free Calling, Music Player, GPS Navigation. You can add this Hands free car kit for only $21.99, regular it's $42.99, https://amzn.to/2JNzUNG, so it's way cheaper than a traffic ticket.
Some cars, vans, SUV's and trucks automatically pair with your device making it hands free.
If your car, van, SUV or truck don't have that but has an auxiliary jack. You can operate your phone by voice or single touch and listen through your car’s audio system. Just plug the auxiliary cable into your AUX. jack. If you don't have this cable, don't worry, we have you covered. You can purchase them pretty cheap. Like these, Anker 3.5mm Premium Auxiliary Audio Cable for only $5.09, https://amzn.to/2XZhAX2, or a Syncwire 3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable for only $5.99, https://amzn.to/2Y1mym3. These should help you out for sure.
What if your car is older and only has a cassette player? Oh yeah, we thought of that to. So we found some other great deals for you. Look at these offers, a Metwind Car Audio aux Cassette Adapter for $7.25, https://amzn.to/2Y4wRWq, or a Arsvita Car Audio Cassette to Aux Adapter, 3.5 MM Auxiliary Cable Tape Adapter for $11.99, https://amzn.to/2LxHy1Q. There is also a Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, SONRU Wireless Bluetooth V4.2 Radio Adapter Music Player Car Kit for $16.99, https://amzn.to/2Y1o2N9. Anything to help you get Hands-Free.
If you don't already have a holder to clip your phone in. These are great to use especially in a voice-activated or single-touch mode. Here are some options, like a Mpow Car Phone Mount, Dashboard Car Phone Holder for $10.99, https://amzn.to/2SpZYSZ, or a VAVA Magnetic Phone Holder for Car, Phone Mount with A Super Strong Magnet for $17.99, https://amzn.to/2XYLURr, they even have them for your vents, like a Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount Holder Cradle for $19.99, https://amzn.to/2Y8A5MM. There is also a iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder for $24.95, https://amzn.to/2Y3ULRM.
You can also buy a Bluetooth Speaker for your car. Anything to keep you hands free. We are here to help. There is an Aigoss Bluetooth 4.2 Car Speakerphone, Car Stereo Music Receiver Player, Sound Enhanced Bass/Built-in Mic/TF Card Player/Siri & Google Assistant, AUX Hands Free Calling with Wireless Control for $18.99, https://amzn.to/2SobMF6, if you want there is a Bluetooth in Car Speakerphone Motion AUTO ON Wireless Speaker for Hands free Talking/Music Streaming with Car Charger & Clip for All Smartphone, 20H Play Time, Dual Link Connectivity Enhance Bass by Aigital for $20.99, https://amzn.to/2LtofHf.
So, that's it of our Can Do's and Can Don'ts. We hope you have enjoyed our article and know the New Law Hands-Free Law a little better as well. #drivesafe #healthywaynow #yourhealthstrategies
Have a Safe and Fun Drive! Hands-Free!
~Healthy Way Now
