EON

Sacramento (EON) – A law has been signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger which will require 16 and 17-year-old teens to put down their cell phones while driving as the new law bans the use of cell phones or other electronic devices while they are behind the wheel.

Older drivers who are over the age of 17 will be able to use hands-free devices while they are driving. 16 and 17-year-old drivers though are being banned from using them.

The big problem with teens on cell phnoes is that a lot of them are not just calling people, but also sending text-messages.

Schwarzenegger stated “The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted. They are young, inexperienced, and have a slower reaction time. We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers.”

The law will take effect July 1st. Violators will be fined $20 for the first offence and $50 for offenses after that.

Exceptions are made for emergency calls. California joins a cast of 15 states which has banned the use of wireless devices for teen drivers.