Handsfree law coming soon

[joeami]

I was just thinking about this today. I recently had a bluetooth system added to my Kenwood in anticipation of the new handsfree law going into effect in June, I believe. You can only use your cell phone while driving if it is completely hands free.

What's everybody doing to make your av handsfree compatible?

[I CHNGE]

We use On * with our Verizon service...

[RoarinRow]

I use my bluetooth ear piece and have programmed my frequently dialed numbers with voice recognition.  Too bad my CAI is too loud at times it doesn't recognize my voice   

[RisingPhoenix]

We use On * with our Verizon service...

I have Verizon also, can you just add it to your plan?  I have not activated my On * because I wasn't sure if I really needed it 

[I CHNGE]

I have Verizon also, can you just add it to your plan?  I have not activated my On * because I wasn't sure if I really needed it 

Well...yes and no...

To add On* to your Verizon account...you have to contact On* and they add it for ya...in the sense that you can't call Verizon and have THEM do it...it has to be done via the On* rep...

There is a plan "requirement" and I can't say I know all the "ins and outs" as far as requirements go...I'll just tell you that they require a "Family Share" type plan...which we already have...and so the Avalanche simply put became a 4th phone number in our "Family Share plan"...

I think when we talked to the On* rep he said something about a "grandfather clause" for our account because we were already Verizon Plan "contracted"...in other words we didn't have to start a new plan with them (On*)...and if I recall they (On*) had a Verizon Family Share plan which contained "minutes" in groups which exceeded what we usually go through per month...

That is where the "grandfather clause" thingy came into play...I didn't want to increase my monthly minutes and in effect raise my base fee...I had no qualm with the $9.95 (add another line) per month fee...I just didn't want any part of THEIR monthly minute plans...

Bottom line is I kept the "base shared minute" Family Plan account I already had/have with Verizon and simply added the Avalanche as a "new number" to the existing account...

As I reread this I think I may have "muddied" the answer to your question...if so fire away...and I'll try again

[RENORCR]

I'm looking to add a Bluetooth adapter. In the mean time, it's either a wire earpiece or a bluetooth earpiece.

[joeami]

I'm looking to add a Bluetooth adapter. In the mean time, it's either a wire earpiece or a bluetooth earpiece.

I love the bluetooth that goes with my kenwood.... I can choose whether I want to talk on the phone, or the radio. The only thing, though, is it doesn't seem to be able to show my contacts... I don't know if that's just because my phone (iPhone) or the system itself..... Also, if you want a standalone bluetooth, look into the parrot. My dad has that and it works great for him.....

[Alaska_AV.]

my next head unit will be blue tooth. and duel zone and rockin......

[policecops911]

anyone have any bluetooth headset suggestions? they all look so funky

[AirJunky]

anyone have any bluetooth headset suggestions? they all look so funky

Man, thats the truth. Like you've just been assimilated or something!

Hey ICHNGE,
Whats the bottom line to Onstar & VZW? $9.95/mo. to VZW? How much to Onstar?

[AVY14]

here are the laws in pdf format... be careful out there

[I CHNGE]

Man, thats the truth. Like you've just been assimilated or something!

Hey ICHNGE,
Whats the bottom line to Onstar & VZW? $9.95/mo. to VZW? How much to Onstar?

Yup, the $9.95/mo to VZW assuming you are adding a "family member" to your family plan
There is no extra to OnStar...just the base price of whatever plan you already have with them...which
in fact may be less per month in the sense you are not paying through the nose for air time minutes
from OnStar anymore...

[Aussie Red]

Glad to see this coming. My daughter was in a wreck 3 days after buying her new Monte Carlo and it was caused by a woman yaking away on a cell and turned in front of her.
I too just added another line to my verizon account and love it. Can talk to anyone on verizon free and since all out here are verizon it is great. Funny thing is I think I have made 4 calls on it but it is still a great feature to have

[I CHNGE]

Glad to see this coming. My daughter was in a wreck 3 days after buying her new Monte Carlo and it was caused by a woman yaking away on a cell and turned in front of her.
I too just added another line to my verizon account and love it. Can talk to anyone on verizon free and since all out here are verizon it is great. Funny thing is I think I have made 4 calls on it but it is still a great feature to have

Gotta love that...the Verizon part i mean...the accident part is sad to hear, hope all were/are ok...

[Aussie Red]

It totaled their car and they are now . They got banged up pretty good but came through it fine thank you. They are getting a Suburban now lol.

[I CHNGE]

It totaled their car and they are now . They got banged up pretty good but came through it fine thank you. They are getting a Suburban now lol.

WOW !!!

The Sububan is a Tank like the Av   

[Aussie Red]

Yes she wants an AV and wants to join the club but they have more kids then the AV will hold. It is a Brady bunch type of thing lol. His , hers and ours lol 7 in total

[MR.SMITH]

http://www.talkingbluetooth.com/site/1650437/product/98684

Its just an earpiece. I wish someone would buy one so I know how they work.

[Flint4x4]

What's the fine for using a cellphone while driving ?

Michigan has a bill in progress to ban talking or texting with fines ranging from $100-$500 

Studies I've seen show handsfree talking is just as distracting,
both hands on the wheel don't help if you're not paying attention to driving.

[ibshortie]

Glad to see this coming. My daughter was in a wreck 3 days after buying her new Monte Carlo and it was caused by a woman yaking away on a cell and turned in front of her.

Glad to hear they were ok, what she needed was a train horn on the Monte.  If their windows are rolled down they usually drop the phone, LOL.

[I CHNGE]

Text from Calif DMV and Highway Patrol concerning Handsfree Law and FAQ

"Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.

Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a "hands-free" device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q: What are the fines(s) if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.

Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense, however, DMV will not assign a violation point.

Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.

Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: No. The law becomes effective July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.

Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.

Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.

Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.

Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DRIVERS 18 AND OVER

Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a "hands-free" device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.

Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Q: Will it be legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.

Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.

Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.


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DRIVERS UNDER 18

Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone "hands-free?"
A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even "hands-free." EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities (VC §23124).

Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.

Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.

Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.

Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.

Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No.

Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.

Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my "hands-free" device while driving?
A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a "hands-free" wireless device if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.



The two laws were the result of SB 1613 and SB 33, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2006."

[cadboy1]

We have that law here on Long Island Ny for years now..But you see people all day long ignoring it 

That and headlights on if wipers are on..Lots ignore that one too 

[Eastside]

Kenwood 7100! Hands-free, DVD, MP3, I-Pod, Radio, XM satelite, Garmin Navigation, garage door opener, all in one!

well worth the $1,400.00, never lost again, anywhere!

Eastside

[joeami]

Kenwood 7100! Hands-free, DVD, MP3, I-Pod, Radio, XM satelite, Garmin Navigation, garage door opener, all in one!

well worth the $1,400.00, never lost again, anywhere!

Eastside

Really, it opens the garage door too?

[Flint4x4]

Really, it opens the garage door too?

My '04 will open the garage door, it would if I had electricity to the garage and a door opener 

[joeami]

My '04 will open the garage door, it would if I had electricity to the garage and a door opener 

Well, I have the homelink system... I think that's what it's called.... But, Eastside said his kenwood could do it...

[SCOTTS]

Does anyone have experience with the BlueAnt Supertooth 3?  A friend of mine bought one then went out and bought a new car with Bluetooth built in.  He's offering to sell it to me and would like advice if anyone has some to share.

Is there a way to incorporate Bluetooth into the AV's On-Star system without using On-Star directly?  Some way to connect to the existing mic and speakers?

Thanks,  Scott

[Chopped_Burban]

Hmmm, what am I doing to make my driving experience hand free??? I was working under the deck one day, rolled over and snapped my cel phone in two. Currently I don't own one. Does that count?

[Rocky07]

Does anyone have experience with the BlueAnt Supertooth 3?  A friend of mine bought one then went out and bought a new car with Bluetooth built in.  He's offering to sell it to me and would like advice if anyone has some to share.

Is there a way to incorporate Bluetooth into the AV's On-Star system without using On-Star directly?  Some way to connect to the existing mic and speakers?

Thanks,  Scott

Scott....not sure how equipped your '03 is, but you might check www.coastaletech.com for their GM LockPick that has a Bluetooth optional feature.  Good luck!

Rocky07