Good question. As I've said before, it appears that the real issue may well be that of 2-way communications and the brain's inability to handle it well. These laws, like that being implemented in New Zealand, may just be created to assuage the anger of the people with the HANG UP AND DRIVE bumper stickers.

This article by the Fillmore (CA) Gazette says that, as per the CA AAA, there has been an improvement since the law was implemented. The article isn't truly scientific but anecdotally it looks good.

"My dear Officer Philwells or known by any other name used...Officer go elsewhere and let theses hurt people be! Please leave us along!"

So just because I'm defending Law Enforcement IN GENERAL I must be a cop. What a stretch!  I'm a contract employee of UCAN. I write a Blog here called Ask Dr. Technical. I've never worked in law enforcement or the military. And, really, if these people are so "hurt" by a $120 fine (for doing something against the law) they probably need to do more than bitch about fines at a consumer advocacy web site. Man, I can FEEL the collective agony... were you asking me to "leave us alone" or "lead us along"? Either way, can do.

"And please, many of these people have real education University education (you can tell) it is unlike you GED or college criminal justice courses, so don’t try to sound like Einstein! Trying to baffle or dazzle the public don’t work anymore!"

Other than the obvious bias in these posts, the saddest part of all of this is that you're castigating me for using proper English, creating readable sentences, and spelling correctly. If speaking well "baffles" the public, I'm really sad for mankind.

My wife got a ticket for bitting her nails while driving????? Yes it is true if you bite your nails a DUMB ASS PIECE OF SHIT COP may think your on the phone. My wife was not on the phone the phone was in her purse and she was pulled over. STUPID RETARDED COP probably went to public school, This waste of TAX payers money thought he could get away with it. I pulled her phone records and we went to court, My wife proved her case and the bail amout of $140 was refund to her. I don't hate police officers, Just dislike the RETARDED ones.

My wife got a ticket for bitting her nails while driving????? Yes it is true if you bite your nails a DUMB ASS PIECE OF SHIT COP may think your on the phone. My wife was not on the phone the phone was in her purse and she was pulled over. STUPID RETARDED COP probably went to public school, This waste of TAX payers money thought he could get away with it. I pulled her phone records and we went to court, My wife proved her case and the bail amout of $140 was refund to her. I don't hate police officers, Just the dislike the RETARDED ones.

Jason,

I'm not completely following your post but I think you are, essentially, saying that you feel that the younger police are getting worse as far as respect for the public goes.  Fine, I'll accept that YOUR experience and that of your friends has been poor. I'm really sorry to hear that. If you are in the LA area, maybe the new police chief will fix things. My experience has not been the same. Maybe because I'm a white male, maybe because I live in relatively low crime-rate areas. But again, the invective I see on this web site is uncalled for. It's biased and it's besmirching the honor of the primarily brave and reasonable people who put their lives on the line each day for all of us. What's more, the whole purpose of this thread is SUPPOSED to be consumer information about the law. 75% of the replies to Ashkan's original post are poorly written, nasty, offensive, childish posts that don't have any purpose. Nobody has proposed a reasonable answer to these complaints. But, likewise, I will agree to respect your opinion and experience provided it's mature and useful.

I don't grok "664ec" or what you mean  by Section 23123 of the Calif Vehicle code being "carte blanche PC".

I recieved a ticket today for talking on my cell phonewhile driving. I am guilty of it and I'll be happy to pay the ticket. By reading through these, I now know that it will be $142. I'm okay with that but this is my first ticket and can I pay the fine through mail or do I have to go to court? Also, will this affect my insurance? I have Horace Mann. Oh and I'm 18 and have had my licence for almost three months. Thank you whoever responds. -L

There are some cool blu-tooth headset available.  The good ones are expensive.

I also feel this is a way to get extra money for the state.  Although trying to drive and  talk and drink you coffee is quiet difficult.

I respect you, and you do respect your opposing view point, but caution not to assume (it is fair, you accused me of generalizing)I am neither black nor white, I am 4th generation asian, as old as black slaves in this country. With the officer I encountered, we just as well have foreign soldiers on our soils, maybe they will treat us more fair and better (This is very very bad to say this but this is true!).One thing is in common, no matter what your race, all people share the same emotions, no matter what the event (Research diasters).I have law enforcement, both city and state and judicial experience, so no more of the 664EC here because it DNASome younger officers do negatively stereotype (were all human - but the greater priviledge warrants a higher responsibily in law), and because I am retired I may draw a derelect type appearance, and it may draw a herding.Let me say as a younger person I have never been mistreated by any police, sheriff or CHP officer until recently.In addition to my personal real world experience, my long time credible non-manipulative friends have "recently" shared bad contact experience with young law enforcement officials.Before I retired I scubblebut with various law enforcement officials who told me to be watchful to be careful of the new young officers (not clearly understanding it)I have already personally spoken to state assemblyman, but election time is coming, there are no more assembly meetings in his term.I will say that he agreed with me that section 23123CVC is a Cardblanc PC, he backed off a little when I told him as a senior I was NOT intimidated but insulted,and took it personal (my mistake or error) The assembly is familar with me aqnd I doubt he will misinterprete it.If you will objectively continue in your oposing view I will still respect your opposiing view, so long as you allow duplex view points!Jason

Fine logic, Anonymous! I am so busted.  I should have pondered more deeply the grocery store worker who's worried about every person coming in the checkout line with a pistol. They, too, are putting their lives on the line daily and I failed to give them credit.

I'm SURE that every one of those checkers is worried that the next person in line is as escaped convict or someone who just robbed a bank, has nothing to lose, and just had to stop by Albertsons for some Ben and Jerry's before hauling ass for the border.

I'm sure there must be something that police, IN GENERAL, like about their work. Maybe guns is one of them. I'm sure that SOME of them like power. And I've read about the rampant racism and other problems in the LAPD. The San Diego U-T has opined more than once about corruption in the CHP (but this is about the hierarchy, not the officers). There's no excuse for it (these people DO have power and they DO need to be well vetted and monitored for changes over their careers). But there IS an explanation - THEY are human and YOU are generalizing. I guess ALL black people love fried chicken and ALL white people can't dance, too.

Yes, anonymous, in response to your first question, they DO have to consider the possibility that everyone they pull over carries a glock and that they are all lying to them. They aren't the court. They are looking for possible breakers of laws passed by YOUR legistators and have pulled them over because of some reasonable suspicion - YOUR lawmakers gave them that right. There's a greater chance that someone in a car, doing something that justifies a traffic stop, has no intent of being taken in.

And I never stated I thought they find their work "distasteful" - where did you get that?  I hope that a large percentage of them do what they do because they want to defend victims and bring the baddies to justice. And if they get to drive around in a cool car and carry a gun, fine. Why do you care?

I imagine that you also feel that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, any of whom are terrified every day but do it because they've got something they need to defend (like your ability to write garbage on someone else's web site as protected by the First Amendment), took up ARMS because they love guns and power. Many of them do (the recent news stories about the canine unit's hazing, the Abu Gahraib scandal) but theyre not all like that - again, that would be a GENERALIZATION. But I, for one, have no problem with them carrying weapons around because they, like the cops, never know what to expect (while the checkout clerk has a pretty good idea).

If any readers have any 3rd party statistics showing how many police officers discharge their weapons in the line of duty vs the same for checkout clerks, please post here. Thanks!

=================

To all who may be reading this post: This WHOLE blog posting started with an article about the Handsfree Cellular Law in CA, by Ashkan, but it's become a law-enforcement hatefest. This is why I have made more than one reply to, what I felt to be, ignorant, biased, puerile statements about cops IN GENERAL. I'm sure that more than one person who got pulled over for a handsfree infraction would NOT have been pulled over by the next cop to come along. It's almost sad that the cops in the field are, to some degree, part of the cour process because one will pull you over for doing 67 in a 65mph zone and another would do it for 70 in a 65 and one would do it for 68 in a 65 one day and not the next day. When it comes to speed we have radar. When it comes to cell phone usage, like it or not, we have testimony - theirs against ours. When you get a cop who didn't get any last night and is in a lousy mood, be polite, do as requested (give your license and registration), and when the officer says "I'm ticketing you because you had a cell phone to your head", if you TRULY weren't, act like an adult and explain why you think she's mistaken. If you did have a cell phone to your head, and you can't prove you were making a 911 call, TAKE YOUR LICKS LIKE AN ADULT. Then go about the process of getting the law changed. Or, do as Ashkan suggested in the first place, and GET A DAMNED HANDSFREE KIT. A cop won't be pulling you over if they don't have a belief that they saw your hand againt your head!  And if they pull you over for something ELSE, like 68 in a 65, they'll see the headset in your ear and the phone on the adjacent seat, and will move on to more pressing matters.

PS: I am 54 and I HAVE had tickets and all but one was justified and I fought that one. I've never had a cell phone violation. Not one of these SDPD Officers, Sherriff's Deputies, or CHP Officers was ever rude to me.

Maybe I didn't give them cause to be?

PPS: Notice that I didn't have to call YOU any bad names or question YOUR integrity in the process of the, adult, exchange of opinions.

My Main Point

As you may all be aware a private pilot lost temporary control of his airplane during a critical moment

If he had been driving a motor vehicle he would not be cited for Violation 23123 CVC, instead he would be cited for some violation of negligence.

It is not the cell phone but rather the operator! Everytime I see a kid or businessman operating a vehicle unsafely and on a cell phone it irritates me, but unfortunately when this occurs, there is never a police officer around!

The police are citing anyone on a cell phone I am estimating mostly those that are safely maintaining control on the highways because these are solo violation in itself and no other violations involved!

Section 23123a CVC was conspired to be a revenue law justified by selective stats.

My opinion would be useless to a police officer but obvious to me and others, as their job is to enforce this and if they open their mouth, they will arrogantly admonish you as if this was rule of god almighty or act as if they are!

If this keeps on, pretty soon, too much law will regulate human lives and we will no longer be human (Plato "Cave")

So I have seen it's been a year since this post was started, just wanted to know if it made a change to the number of accidents.I am in New Zealand and next week they are passing the same law, no talking on cell phones without a handsfree kit.Just wanted to know, if not I will be annoyed. Also I wouldn't blame the police, it is their job. There are lots of laws people don't like but have to follow them. There are just as many jobs people don't like but have to do them.

My dear Officer Philwells or known by any other name used

You do not know the LAX officer that pulled me over, so don’t try to fend.

I drove 300 miles to LAX to pick up my wife and child, made four circular passes including asking airport employees for directions, I finally pulled over to the curb to call them on my cellphone, the officer pulled behind me because parking was not allowed unless your picking up passengers, so I pulled out, the cell phone rang, I pulled over the opposite curb because there was no traffic arear, lifted my cellphone to see if it was my wife, the same officer pulled behind me, I told him "everything" including the fact that I did not make any contact, he said "without consideration" so long as the phone was near my ear he could site me! To the letter of the law "use of the a cellphone and any even the slightest volutional movement justifies the citation. Perhaps the citation was technically legit but CS. As you said the "media" has given public or legal notice and added the citation is $20 which it is NOT (So F you!)!

Last mothers day an old friend of mind (we are both 60 years old) took his family, his sister, and elderly mother to a mother’s day dinner, he stopped in a parking lot to let a car back out, the driver was a poor backer, so he had to back out the car to assist, his children told him that a police was behind him and he said he knew, the officer put on her wigwam lights, he tried to explain that the person in plain view was backing unsafely, the female officer said she was going to site him, so he used his cell phone to take a picture of the car in front of him! The officer "ordered him to shut it off and put it away, this disallowing exculpatory evidence … he was pissed (his brother just recently retired from the police department, his sister in the car has a husband who is still currently a state peace offcer!

To a peace officer, trained to be suspicious, and probable cause can be virtually articulated to stop anyone, (You know this and I know this!) may believe that most people are liars to make your life simple or to get the watch commander off your back (but so are cops, what makes you more superior other than the so called law, and you gun and martial arts!) many people are probably telling the truth but since you don’t believe them, why don’t you stop wasting your time here! Because all you BS, horn tooting I guarantee is not gonna change their mind or feelings nor mind!

And please, many of these people have real education University education (you can tell) it is unlike you GED or college criminal justice courses, so don’t try to sound like Einstein! Trying to baffle or dazzle the public don’t work anymore! One day you may realize what is really happening, then you will see how ridiculous you appear trying to protect own feeding bowl!

If the law allowed me to fend my own self, I would not call 911, so stop with your hero illusion, I know how to be civil in a dispute, defend myself and so on. But the public treatment by police officers, in part is the fault of their training, and the other the selection process (you obviously included) to do the so called command present on a senior citizen like myself and my old friend "Does not intimidate, it only insults!" What causes greater negative is us old guys can see you punks "enjoy (thug like power – or you just do it without discretion because your stupid) this!"

Yes, we all know that all officers will not be criminally bribed because internally that would use a plant if suspected, all your officer know this!

Officer go elsewhere and let theses hurt people be! Please leave us along!

Your comments sound as if you think the California Highway Patrol legislated these laws. If the "sorry ass mother Effing CHPs" are collecting money from you, be sure to report them. Your elected State legistators passed these laws and the courts "collect more money from" you.

If everyone were intelligent, they'd accept the data saying that any kind of full-duplex voice communication affects the brain in a way that reduces concentration. The only thing that's stupid about the law is that it allows handsfree cell phone use as if that helps much.

Until the law is changed as you recommend (and the result will be more strict but people like you will still bitch about cops taking money from them because they will still try to get away with breaking the law), you can put your cell phone on SPEAKERPHONE and lay it on the console or adjacent seat and talk; not the best quality but it works in a pinch. Or buy a headphone - bluetooth or wired is fine - and, with an adaptor you can use a cheap wired headset you may already possess for yor cordless phone or PC thus not benefitting the companies who are making such a huge profit in cell phone accessories because of your addiciton. Or buy a bluethooth speakephone adaptor that clips to your visor (such as this one from Seecode).

Perhaps you'd like some advice about how to remove vomit from your clothes? UCAN: always ready to help the intelligent, inquiring, reasoning consumer.

More violations on the way

Here is the latest

Cell phone video shows police beating of student

20 mins ago

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A San Jose police spokesman says officers are being investigated for possible criminal conduct after officials viewed a video that shows an unarmed university student repeatedly being hit with batons and a Taser gun.

The cell phone video shows one officer hitting 20-year-old Phuong Ho with a metal baton more than 10 times. Another officer is seen using his Taser gun on the San Jose State math major.

The San Jose Mercury News posted the video on its Web site Saturday night.

Several police experts told the paper the video shows the officers using excessive and possibly illegal force.

Ho was arrested in the incident last month on suspicion of assaulting another of his roommates. He was not armed when police arrived.

More violations on the way

Here is the latest

Cell phone video shows police beating of student

20 mins ago

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A San Jose police spokesman says officers are being investigated for possible criminal conduct after officials viewed a video that shows an unarmed university student repeatedly being hit with batons and a Taser gun.

The cell phone video shows one officer hitting 20-year-old Phuong Ho with a metal baton more than 10 times. Another officer is seen using his Taser gun on the San Jose State math major.

The San Jose Mercury News posted the video on its Web site Saturday night.

Several police experts told the paper the video shows the officers using excessive and possibly illegal force.

Ho was arrested in the incident last month on suspicion of assaulting another of his roommates. He was not armed when police arrived.

You, on the other hand, ARE capable of assembling a cogent, punctuated sentence & your spelling ("grammer") is right on. Obviously, you ARE educated and you studied poetry for your PhD as is evidenced by your emulation of e e cummings.

an egsample of the pott callin the cettel blak.

Well written and useful information. Thanks.

Recent studies have shown that it's not the HOLDING of the cell phone that's the problem. It's the holding of the conversation.

Initially, I thought these laws were kneejerk reactions supported by the people with the HANG UP AND DRIVE bumper stickers. I mean, if I can legally have a full-duplex (talking both ways at the same time) converstation with my passenger, SAFELY, why can't I do it with a caller? I ascribed to the apparently apochryphal belief that a handsfree system removes the risk. I'd heard that this wasn't necessarily so but I didn't wish to believe it.

Well, more than one study says BELIEVE IT. This article shows mutiple studies that support the fact that a full-duplex conversation where the other party isn't present is highly distracting. It's not the hardware, it's your brain.  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/01/030129080944.htm

So, it appears that our present Handsfree Laws ARE "Unneccesary, Ridiculous".  They shoot the hardware, not the messenger. I won't like it one bit from a self-serving standpoint - I, too, use my phone (with a headset) when driving. And Texans could have open containers until 2001 - bet they hated losing THAT "right". At some point these "handsfree" laws will change prohibiting all full-duplex electronic conversations by drivers. But, oh dear, how WILL we get by? We did for most of human history.

This is what voicemail is for.

The senators, governor, mayors, police, court clerks, district attorneys, public defenders, judges, bailiffs, private attorneys, probation officials and clerks ... seems to be the biggest money making (also add some predatory insurance company looking for any excuss to get more money) industry in the US, we pay them, it is ashame that we can't put all of them in jail for what they are doing. What a shame!

I thought I would share my knowledge about insurance premiums and cell phone tickets--
In the past 2 days, I've done about 8 hours of research on my cell phone ticket and insurance rates. This is because I was confused when my Orange County Superior Court bill came with two options -- 1) Bail Amount for $142 or 2) Traffic School Fee for $192

I called the Orange County Court and asked them "why do I need to pay $50 extra for traffic school fee when there is no traffic school needed since it's not a moving violation and my insurance won't go up?" Well, the court clerk says that some insurance companies do raise your insurance. Even though a cell phone ticket is not a moving violation, it does leave an "infraction" mark on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) which all insurance companies check every time your insurance is up for renewal. And if they see this infraction, they may raise your rates. So, I called my insurance company and sure enough, they did say, if they did see a cell phone ticket on my MVR, they would indeed raise my rates. And, unlike going to traffic school to take a point off your record for speeding, stop sign, etc-- traffic school wouldn't help this cell phone ticket situation at all-- even if I took traffic school-- as long as that infraction on my MVR was there; my rates would go up. How you can get a ticket for running through a red light, and go to traffic school to clear that-- but get a ticket for a cell phone and NOT be able to clear that is beyond me.

It wouldn't be a huge insurance increase for me, but enough-- $130 every year on my premium for the next 3 years (takes 3 years for the infraction to come off your record). So I picked up the phone and called another insurance company- and that other company confirmed, that they do check MVR's, but don't penalize drivers for 1st time cell phone tickets. So I went ahead and dropped my old insurance company, and went with a new one (and I'm saving money on top of that anyway with the switch).

Now, the court clerk did say that I could come into court - pay the traffic school fee and ask the judge if going to traffic school would "delete" the infraction off my MVR. But there are no guarantees of that. Plus, by now, I've wasted enough time with this, and time is money- and I don't really feel like going down to the court to hassle over a frickin' cell phone ticket.

So bottom line-- for those of you with the very valid question -- "Will this cell phone ticket raise my insurance rates?" Most of the time, no. But make sure you call your insurance company and double-check first before you do anything. A couple years down the road, who knows if all of them will start charging for it, but for now, most don't.

Senator Blakeslee accused Schwarz-enegger of “a shocking reversal of position on the issues about which we care most deeply: taxes, Second Amendment rights, family values, over-regulation, etc.” He called Schwarzenegger’s signing of the bills “a public policy disaster.”

Just got my ticket in the mail. What a scam. The police officer said it would be 20 dollars! And I'm sure he knew exactly what was going to happen to me. My fine turned out to be 142 dollars! I am so pissed off about this. Why have we decided in this country that the government can make any and all laws they want when it comes to the public safety? This is just another way of taxing the public. Here is what we need: LESS LAWS, LESS GOVERNMENT, (and less lawyers would be nice too). Government gets bigger EVERY YEAR. We need to start making it a smaller and less important part of america. The government has so much power right now, it is incredible. We need to REDUCE THE SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT immediately!

I like to remind you cops that this is a freedom of speech site.
And that you all took the oath to protect the Constitution.
It is okay for you to challenge (intimidate) us because you can do no wrong, you carry a gun, a badge, you had martial arts training and experience on the job with it, you have at least a GED or better.
You live in an illusion and will live under all your life that your great because your a cop. Your nothing but just a legal clever thug both in mouth and action.
You took $140 of meals from my children on a bogus BS cell violation.
You have sold you soul and you and your family including your children will reap what you sow.

CA cell phone fee breakdown (1st offense):

Fine = $20
State Fee = $20
County Fee = $14
Surcharge = $4
Court fee = $10
Nite court fee = $1 (Remember that funny sitcom from the 80s? Someones gotta pay for it)
Conviction Assessment = $35
EMS Fees = $4
DNA Fee = $4 (Yes, you are paying for DNS testing)
Cell phone usage fine (or somesort) = $30

Total = $142

I THINK WE AS PEOPLE THAT ARE GETTING THE RAW END OF THE SICK SHOULD START TO TAKE PIC OF COPS AND TAKING THEM TO COURT AND MAKING ANYONE WHO BRAKES ANY LAW PAY LIKE EVERYONE ELES.

Schwarzenegger to Shriver: Put down the cell phone

Wed Oct 14, 8:34 am ET
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is calling out his wife, Maria Shriver, for apparently violating a state law he signed — holding her cell phone while driving.
The celebrity Web site TMZ.com posted two photographs Tuesday showing Shriver holding a phone to her ear while she's behind the wheel. It says one was snapped Sunday and the other in July.
The Web site later added a video it said was shot Tuesday in Brentwood, where the family lives. It shows Shriver holding a cell phone to her ear while driving a large SUV that appears to be a Cadillac Escalade. She then puts the phone down while the camera is rolling.
The first lady's office said it would have no comment.
On his Twitter feed, Schwarzenegger wrote to TMZ.com founder Harvey Levin: "Thanks for bringing her violations to my attention. There's going to be swift action."
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear says that by "swift action," the governor means he'll ask his wife not to hold the phone while driving.
In a note accompanying the video, TMZ responded to Schwarzenegger's tweet by saying, "... your scofflaw wife was at it again."
A law that took effect in July 2008 requires California drivers to use a handsfree device when talking on cell phones.
Since then, the California Highway Patrol has issued more than 150,000 citations. That figure does not include citations issued by local police.
Drivers who are spotted by law enforcement officers holding a cell phone to their ear are subject to fines of at least $20 for the first ticket and $50 for subsequent tickets, plus additional fees.
In Los Angeles County, where Brentwood is located, the Superior Court has set the cost at about $93 for the first ticket and $201 for the next one, meaning Shriver would owe at least $300 in fines and court fees had she been caught by police.
Schwarzenegger has previously praised the regulation and said he warned his then-16-year-old daughter that if she ever violated the law, "she'll be taking the bus."

Comment:
I voted for this clown in hopes he has the strength to do what is right and necessary. A few years ago he was in a motorcycle accident with one of his children as passenger and with an expired motorcycle license. I did not hear him get cited not his motorcycle impound for 30 days. Here is his most famous political quote "The people have spoken, no more taxation!" The cell law has good intent but what it has turned out to be is a revenue taxation law. When his wife Maria got cited, he missed the whole point of a $20 citation which turns out to be anywhere from a $100 to $300 ticket. I picked up my cell phone while I was in search for my daughter at LAX stopped at the curb, never answered it, the officer got behind me (I thought to disallow me to wait for passengers) and said my car was moving and I had the cell near my ear. He wrote the citation as “talking on the cell while driving” This is blantantly exaggerated (But the public is under the impression police don’t lie!. The citation cost $140. The governor completely missed the point, this is excessive taxation. He had better never ever run for any office anymore, I will strongly campaign against this con or hypocrate. I will not assist the police in any manner using 911 either! Additionally, no incumbent senator should be re-elected either!

Been in the state for less than a yr and i've already paid over 700 in fines for all bullshit offenses such as this and seat belt tickets. Like the other posters said earlier, stop donating money to the PBA or anything associated with the police. Instead donate it over to the fire department. All my life I have been harrassed by cops all over the country, but nothing has compared to the ones i've seen here in LA. I think its pretty unfair to fine someone 350 for not wearing a seatbelt and talking on the cellphone. In almost any other state in the country i could be driving 150mph and get a smaller fine. Its sad that this state has to resort to this to raise money. I guess this is what happens when the state cant pay for the pensions and benefits and its tough luck for the poor smuck who makes 30k a yr. who has to pay a hefty fine.

Here's some interesting information I found:

Maybe the following sobering statistics will penetrate the thick skulls of those who crave the creation of new government departments filled with workers who are free to pay themselves very generous packages, out of tax dollars, while looking forward to retiring a decade sooner than the stiffs who support them; and providing, in return, that stellar service for which the US Postal Service has become famous. Ah, for a government job!

The obscene numbers come courtesy of the “The Free Enterprise Nation”:

• When wages and benefits are combined, federal civilian workers averaged $119,982 in 2008, twice the average compensation of $59,909 for private sector workers.
• A State of California retiree gets an annual pension of $500,000
• A driver’s education teacher in Illinois gets a $170,000 annual salary and $120,000 annual pension.
• In New York, some city workers amass more than $100,000 in overtime during their last year before retirement to create a monthly pension higher than their salary.
• 420 of Illinois’s physical education teachers, 332 English teachers and 94 driver’s education teachers make more than $100,000 a year, with salaries for each position topping out at more than $160,000 a year.
• A senior citizen in Houston, Texas would find their number of police officers has remained the same for six years running, despite a 40 percent budget increase to cover higher salaries, pension and healthcare benefits.
• A small business receiving an IOU in California might be surprised to learn that in 2008, 40 percent of Vallejo’s 613 employees had salaries greater than $100,000 a year, the same year the city filed for bankruptcy.
• In Fort Worth, Texas, one police chief recently retired at age 55 with a guaranteed annual pension of $188,692. His successor retired at age 52 with an annual pension of $113,614. In the Northeast, two University of Connecticut professors are currently collecting six-figure pensions while simultaneously collecting a six-figure salary.

There are 115 million workers in the private sector, a portion of whom carry 20 million of these pampered parasites on their backs.

There are many things one could do in the driver's seat that may distract,
some MORE than using a cell phone, such as disciplining kids in the back seat,
reaching for a backpack or object on the floor, inserting a CD, etc. To single
out cell phones is nuts. Punish reckless driving, not what you guess is the cause.

That way, the dad punching his kid in the back seat and swerving gets a ticket
too. Some people ARE good enough drivers to hold a phone to their ear and drive,
some are NOT. If the ones who are NOT are driving badly, pull them over for THAT.

Guessing why someone is a bad driver is like trying to prosecute thought crime,
which I hope we'd leave in the world of George Orwell's fiction.

I just got a cell phone ticket because my passenger opened her phone! How bogus is that! I had 3 people in the car tell the officer that I wasn't on the phone...he said to me "I'm not going to have court right here!" Grrrr....How is it fair that I can prove I wasn't on the phone but he won't even look at my phone to see that! Somewhere I read that a cell phone ticket goes on your record but doesn't count as a point on your insurance...does anyone know anything about that?

I received what I thought was a cell phone violation BUT the cop wrote the ticket for Reckless Driving.

I was sitting at a red light my phone was in my door and when the light turn green I proceeded to go threw the light and that is about when my phone fell by my feet. I was only going about 12 mph and I reached down to pick it up during this process a police officer saw me picking my phone up. He then proceeded to pull me over. He said I was talking on my cell phone. I tried to explain and to show him that my bluetooth was on and operating in my vechicle. You see my car has bluetooth wired to my radio. It automatically connects everytime I get in my car and start it. This has been most frustrating because now I realize he also wrote the ticket wrong.

PLEASE NOTE ****** small difference in penal code numbers CELL PHONE VIOLATION 23123
RECKLESS DRIVING 23103

I am lucky to have a job in this economy and now I have to appear in court. Time requested off work!!!!
AND these COPS with all the cut backs I know they are trying to ensure their pay check at the tax payers expense this is just not fair. SO write, write, write tickets WELL guess what buddy how many tickets can you write when there is no one left who has employment. Oh and good luck getting into court.... now that they have extra's days off because the state doesnt have the $$$$$

And if anyone wants to start a law suit I will join you!!!!

Two days ago I was pulled over by a motorcycle cop on Venture Blvd for talking on a hand-held cell phone, which is something I never do while driving. Anyone that knows me, knows this is true. I drive a large quad-cab truck and I did not see the motorcycle officer who was evidently following me. He stated he absolutely saw me take my cell phone away from my ear when I saw him and put it down on the console. I've ordered my phone records which will prove that I was not on the phone at the time he pulled me over, or anywhere near that time. Is there some sort of class action suit that can be prepared to fight this civil right infringement with other drivers falsely accused of this? I believe that the officer may have thought he saw me do what he claimed, but I did not commit this offense. There must be something definitive than just the officer's word to prove a driver's guilt. To me, his word is just not good enough, given my innocence. Are there other drivers in LA or California that would want to participate in this?

Here is the latest
Another Repeat of their department history
Los Angeles police officers charged with lying in drug case

Two Los Angeles police officers and a former officer have been charged with conspiracy and perjury for allegedly lying under oath in a drug case. The district attorney's office filed charges Tuesday against Officers Richard Amio, Manuel Ortiz and former Officer Evan Samuel. They're expected to surrender Thursday for arraignment.

The officers claimed a man arrested in 2007 in Hollywood had dropped an object containing cocaine. But an apartment building surveillance videotape contradicted their testimony. The man's attorney argued his client was framed and charges were dismissed. Ortiz could face four years in prison, Amio five and Samuel seven if convicted. District attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison didn't know if they had attorneys.

I traveled several hours to pick up my wife, daughter and baby at LAX, could not find them, my cell rang, it must be them, I picked my cell up and answered and was immediately pulled over, never answered the cell.
The officer takes his sweet time admonishing me and citing me. I know he is doing his job, he could care less of my circumstance so I could care less of his job. I hope he catch a terrorist and that terrorist blows him out of this world. I hope he has a family so I don't feel sorry for them.
Bravo, if you die on the job, I will do everything in my power to never pay LA City taxes, If you live I will do everything in my power to not pay the f City of LA any tax money.
CC F LA City Mayor
I fully understand why you only need a GED or a BS (Bullshit) degree in Criminal Justice to be a police officer for the same pay as an engineer. I mean what BS!
American Society is not worth saving

This morning I was at traffic light (red) and checking my voice massages. I was heading south bound and a cop was making left turn from west bound, so he saw me on the phone and drove up a block, made a U turn and pulled me over...I have done checking my massages before the green light went on...I told him that i wasn't driving, but he said you are still operating a vehichle...Frankly I was so pissed...and I really want to contest it...Can I stand a chance?...He didn't put that I was at traffic light... he put talking on the cell phone while driving....any thoughts would be appreciated...

I was going northbound on 2220 block when i approched a red stop light i glanced at my phone to check the time as soon as i did that a motorcycle cop coming from the eastbound towards the southbound 2220 block saw me. He then flipped his motorcycle around and came up to the passngers side and asked me if i knew that talking on the phone was illegal i said yes. He said "ok". we sat and waited for the light to turn green as i was turning to make the left hand turn he put his sirens on and we turned into a grocery store parking lot. I turned off my car and he said ill make this quick then he asked for my license, registraion and proof of insurance. i gave him all three but i didnt have an updated proof of insurance he said while you look for that ill start on this ticket. i was really polite to him didn't argue just went with his flow. i asked him if i could turn the AC on for my kids who were sleeping in the back. he said sure. He than gave me the ticket and told me where and when i could pay the ticket. he cited me for VC §23123(A). i than said its like 10 bucks right? he said no if im not mistaken its about $150. i was in total shock. So he said your free to go. i said thank you and have a nice day. So the question i have for you guys is 1)Is it still illegal to look at your phone at a red light? 2)do you think i could win if i fight it? and 3)could he have impounded my vehicle becuae i didnt have an updated proof of insurance? but still have insurance?

I have an idea California, let's pay more taxes, so we don't have to get raped with fines for everything. This law like so many others in California are designed to raise revenue through fining, rather than taxing. They can't raise taxes because Californians are too ignorant to realize that taxes benefit them, and residents will vote them down at all costs. Instead we have to watch more and more of our freedoms cut down, while countless law enforcement professionals are occupied writing tickets, while the violent crime rate does not improve. What if a doctor get a phone call, and he doesn't answer it because he is driving? What if a mother or wife gets a call from her son or husband fighting overseas, and she can't answer it because she is driving? This law is unjust for so many reasons. California should not raise money through fines, they should do with out services, or raise taxes. Period.

Police officers taken an oath to enforce the laws and protect the Constitution.
This citation is unconstitutional.
It sounds good when they say it but I know they don't have the brains (just mouth) to understand it.

Anyone who thinks cell phone restrictions are going to reduce accidents is just one of the sheeple and a delusional moron. There are already laws that prohibit "distracted driving" which could be used to prosecute morons to stupid to "pay attention" to the road when traveling at 70 mph (about 106 feet/second). It's called "responsibility" folks and if you don't have it, no law is going to give it to you. Wake up free people and stop letting the bureaucrats and politicians make "Nanny" laws for the stupidest among us.

It has been brought to my attention on several occassions. In fact, many times a day that no matter what is passed as a law in California. The officers at our local station here in Delano, CA avoid any restitution for driving while on their phones. I have called and tried to submitt a complaint but am always redirected to an answering machine.
Should they not obey the same laws that we as citizens must follow ???

After learning that about 300 people has been and are being released from 14 to 27 years in prison for crimes they did not commit and that a portion of this cellphone fine goes into DNA research. I am willing to pay it and more to set the innocent free. And as for the cops with snitches, DA with exculpratory evidence, media, jury, public who side with the police and stereotype ... F you all, F you, your ancestors and decendents!

Recent event in NY, a 25 year old man was both texting and talking on two different cell phone, while driving too close "tailgating" another car. He crashed into the vehicle and caused injuries to a 61 year old river and his grandson.
He was charged with reckless driving. The cellphone violation was forego because it would be too much trouble to add the charges, in other words he was NOT charged with the cellphone violation, jut only reckless driving. Use of the cellphone (or anything else for that matter) was sufficient evidence to establish "Reckless Disregard"
So what are we really angry at:
Disagreement to the intent of the law ................................... NO
Police poor discretion .......................................................... yes
Police demeanor or treatment .............................................. yes
Excessive Add on fees amounting to over 600 to 1200% ......... yes

I appreciate sites like this allowing people to express thier uninhibited sentiments.
I travel a lot.
Police talk to people like everyone is an x-con or dogs and enjoy it, like showing off with total power over a person. To a young person it is intimadating to an older person like myself who can see it for what it is needlessly, it is insulting and demeaning.
A lot of them are on the web now, backing each other up with BS lectures trying to take down the validity on anything said against another officer.
They love to lecture like lawyers and talk like thugs, this helps them achieve sucess by isolating their victims from the rest of the suckers born everyday who won't sober to present reality and police abuse history.
In my books past and present, LAPD being the worst. Smaller towns have more accountablity and easier access to complaint.
LAPD's recently made this statement:
“For the first time in my lifetime, residents of our most
crime-plagued neighborhoods view our brave men and women in blue as
partners, not adversaries. That partnership has enabled the most
efficient police force in the nation to reduce crime rates to levels not
seen since the 1950s. And as crime has plummeted, it has sparked a
renaissance of hope in our most historically troubled neighborhoods."
There is a sucker born everyday, quote Will Rogers!

Believability (Thats all you maybe have, police have official documented evidence and records they made.
Police are not required to believe you, the judge is required to consider what you got.

For starters If I were to guesstamate:
Since 1 out of every 100 people in the US are in prison, jail, parole or probation, then I would say 1% believe or 99% disbelieve you.
Since 1 out of every 38 people in California are in prison, jail, parole or probation, then I would say 2.6% believe or 97% disbelieve you.

Next: Guestimating that LAPD finest hands outs one million ticket (with merit awards given the officer who cited the most) half legit and other bogus.
California with approximately 38 million people, I'd say if you told them what happen, only about 3 people out of a hundren will believe you and 97 will not.
97 out of 100 wholely believe in the official reported news by the police.
97 out 100 intially believe the men and women in blue can do no wrong even if their own children are beatened
The 97 out of 100 will always believe what the media and the men and women in blue say until an event changes it.

Police are proud to announce their presence all over the net and getting a lot of their input in.

The people of the US and California will never ever be set free

I was conversing with a peace offficer about a matter, He said:
Theres his story, my story and the truth ... and s/he should fight it!
I heard this canned statement one time by a police official on my car radio
I recently read the same canned statement in a Yahoo Question and Answer forum given by an alledge officer

My response to it is this:
There is my side, your side and the evidence you gave to the DA which the judge must rely on pursuant to Evidence Code 664 unless rebutted.
Rebuttal means "if" you were lucky like Rodney King who had a reporter with a long distance camera film the real truth (The same occurred when Sheriff deputies beat a group of wressling actors at a private party filmed by a neighbor, or when a NY rap star recorded a NY detective on his IPOD disclosed him for perjury)
These people by the grace of God were lucky and if your not that lucky, you need a pricy skilled lawyer or one will be appointed to you and it is no longer free!
Hummm
Your side, my side, and the truth .... hummmmmmmmmmmmm what does that really mean (cards are already stacked against you unless your lucky)

Hummm
Theres only my side your side and the truth ... has a nice beat to it even if it is superficial bullshit.

I fully agree with you
If cellphone use was that dangerous, there should be no exemptions.
And the fine should be raised to at least $500 to $1000 making it a misdemeanor
instead fo an infraction.
But the problem is traffic infractions are not treated as misdemeanor offenses
because it would be harder to get convictions, and without convictions the state can't get any fine money!
Misdemeanor offenders would have a right to a presumption of innocence and the the state would have to show
that the accused offender had intent to commit the offense.
Infractions are treated as regulatory offenses because its easier for the state
to get convictions in the absence of the procedural safeguards of misdemeanor offense.
So no conviction for bogus citations, no money.
I agree you, you blind dumb stupid bitch!

With all the existing tools available to law enforcement for probable cause, this is a true sleeper. Not that it will get involve in a major search and seizure issue but moreso sheer petti harrassment.

I am waiting for some organization to initiate a recall on all California Assemblmen and Senators.
I am hoping some group or court action begin a proprosition to resind Section 23123a VC and re-write more clearly with a sub-provision allowing a retroactive refund for excessive charges.
The government has overspent at least 4 generations non-stop and refuse to try to correct the problem.
I do not blame Arnold, he held his ground "no more taxation", five recent proposition prevailed saying "no more taxation". The government still won't work its own situation out. It will require strong measues to compell them to.
The intent of Section 23123aVC is okay.
The will of the people is clear, and look at what they have done.
They made about half the people they cited or more by "creating violators" and the rest are legitimate.
They made criminals out of half of (personal experience and estimate) the people they cited out of vage cause.
This is not good
What is good is it bought the true colors out of what many of these police officer really are!
From my personal experience, I am for one that believe the people should remove (existing) them and replace them (new officers and new training).

I have read through these entries.
It appears that no one here so far got a cellphone citation associated with unsafe driving.

I am a HAM radio operator (Call letters kg6zwa) I am exempt when in using handheld communication device during emergency diaster practice exercises
I was cited for have a cell phone in my hand near my ear, never spoke a word on it...oh I had stopped my vehicle but there was some slow roll.
The officer said, if its near your ear, that is a violation, and he cited me.
The unsafe use of the cell phone comes from the operator.
I have had routine but not what you would call formal training for using HAM radio devices while driving other than the normal common sense to not let anything distract or confuse you ability to drive safely.
I have had formal firearm and archery safety training.
In any of the possible sernaros, it is not the car nor the gun, nor the arrow, not the cellphone that makes matters unsafe but rather the individual behind the instrument.
This is more than a bad law, it allows unreasonable search and seizure, it alows cruel and unusual punishment by police for enjoyment, it allows excessive taxation, and can be allowed to expand with excessive revenue collection on anthing associated with this violation.
Do the legislature realize what they have done?

If it is in your hand, your using!
An officer can go as far as suspecting you have a cell in your hand and do his grand display and act they all love to do so much.
The Cellphone prohibition law states it is against the law to "use" a cellphone while driving (any volution movement of the wheel, no matter how slight is driving)!
If you try to get any clarification from an officer, its "Go tell it to the judge!" but paying the fine is made convient, you will be getting a notice in the mail in two weeks!
Trying to explain anything to him or her, you get the same "Go tell it to the judge!"
Telling the officer that what he worte on the ticket is not true, will get you out of the car and more trouble.
PS, this violation will remain on your DMV record for 3 years and they also get a cut of the enhanced fees!

Sense of true justice does not occur at trial and judgement.
Very few people have the luxuary to take a business day off and lack the skill to question a witty officer.
And even if you do have the luxuary and you prevail, you are nevertheless a victim of wrong doing by a respected agency.
Big question, how could this happen in this day and age?
Its all a game of revenue, if you prevail, it still cost you! Justice system is a big business!
My only concern and this should be yours as well, how do you expalin this to the children you leave behind.
Big question, how do you prevent them from being fooled by police imagery and BS??????????????????????

When terrorist first attacted, they made a surgerical attact against only the government and later attacked innocent civilians.
After experiencing being mistreated and lied about in a cell phone citation, I now understand the engineering of government media to support they're cause against violence and drugs ect.
I fully understand why they do what they do and are labeled terrorist, to con us!
If a terrorist attack occurs in the US, I know and sympathize with why it is happening.
If there is a million citations, a million people will agree with me!
It is a shame, that people of the lowest quality in such a beautiful and respectable uniform are given the responsibility to enforce the law with tactical probable cause only for revene!
Sincerely

I was terrible ashamed for all officers of the law man you cannot spell in fact your grammer is completely (i dont even know the word for how bad it is) shitty. Go back to school i would be to ashamed to write another ticket until i went back to school and learned to spell better and put some sentences together. ashamed for you in indiana

The media will state that this police and added fee method has resulted in "great sucess" in curtailing the unlawful use of cell phones while driving.
Many of the cited on this site I believe are careful and responsible driver (there are negligent and irresponsible drivers using cell phones and you can tell they are not careful by the way they drive).
The media will probably state that hundred of thousands of drivers were using cell phones while driving were cited.
From what I seen on this site, I bet that most of these drivers had a good driving record till now.
These drivers can now be legally called negligent and irresponsible drivers to some degree.
They're driving record can have some effect on them when competing for a job.
They're violation nd fine did have an effect on they're ability to feed they family especially children and pay for they're bills.
The media will booast the government sucess and effectiveness by using this method.
It has bought millions of dollars (dirty money) in needed revenues.
This more new laws will be made and the same thing will happen.
The have stats to support their means and ways and we are muffled because we are criminals.
They are righteous and correct and we are violators.
Many young people look at the beautiful police uniform as handsome and can't do wrong.
What a shame!

I am a 60 year old fourth generation American Asian
On August 25, 2009 I traveled 327 miles to pick up my wife and child at LAX
When I got there, I waited at a nearby Denny's Resturant vs paying $7 hour for Airport parking.
My wife called me on the cell phone and I went to pick her up at the Air China terminal.
Her terminal was difficult to find, I made four circles trying to get into the terminal.
The re-entering terminals gave a short distance to enter the terminal and I was unable to enter because of heavy and fast traffic.
I pulled over to answer my cell phone, my wife wandered what was taking me so long, and my 7 year old daughter was upset and crying.
I decided to fully exit the airport area to ease the entry into the terminal 2 and this will take more time.
I pulled over to the left curb and stop when there was no traffic behind me other than a police car that just pulled over to the right curb.
I took my cell phone and press the call back button to let my wife know that I will be more delayed, I rolled the car foward because of coming traffic and aborted the call.
The police parked on the curb activated his blue and red lights and pulled me over to the right curb.
My car did not even trave a car length before pulling over to the opposite curb.
The cell phone law defines that a violation occurred when any use of the cell phone occurs with any volutional movement of the vehicle, no matter how slight.
By legal definition, I admitted to the officer that I messed up.
When the officer finished his coarse admonishment, I told him that I never made the call.
The officer said that I had the phone to my ear and that was sufficent to cite me.
The cell was on my ear for a few seconds (logged on my cell phone account) but by legal definition the officer was correct.
He asked me how old I was, I sad 60, and he said that my license say different.
I explained to him that I was born on September 30, 1949 and that makes me 59 years and 11 months old.
The officer wrote the citation stating I was traveling 15MPH and talking on the cell phone.
THIS IS A LIE (The citation can stick based on the "any" usage definition alone and any volutional wheel movement)
THE CITATION IS LEAGALLY VALID BUT WHY THE NEED TO LIE.
When I returned home, I was advised the citation is not a $20 fine, there is administrative fees involve making it about 5X the cost.
I can agree that high administrative costs should be added when there is a DUI violation but not cell phones, this is a revenue violation and excessive.

Traffic collisions associated with cell phone usage are supported by selected paid stats but involve people who if not for the cell phone are negligent in one way or another
With the vast wide spread of cell phones, there is no true numbers showing non collision to collisions associated with cell phone use
so they can justify any law
Look at what is going on:
Police and fire are exempt from today's economic furloughs
exempt from the cell phone law and are no safer than anyone else using a cell phone

Look at the signs:
Power to tax is the power to destroy, police enjoy catching legal excuses to collect excessive revenue (administrative fees) for the state

If there has ever been a time which demonstrate the true underlying make up of what is inside the police uniform it is now.
They are men and women who wannabe more that what they are nowadays and even a child can truely see through how they enjoy their need to demonstrate arrogance and power
The government and its agencies are legal strong arm criminals.

The earlier year purpose of the TV series Dragnet to Adam 12 was to enhance the image of the police the department and the police uniform.
They serve a purpose no better than TV ads glamorizing cigarette smoking.

The LAPD airport officer that pulled me over was a young Afro-American (black). He was rude and arrogant then switch to behaving in a civil human manner when finished writing the ticket explaining that it was not a point count against my record.
I truely believe he activated some recording device after he trigerred a rough approach to get some demonstration of upset from me that he can interper as rude.
I was born and raise in SW Los Angeles and most of my friends were black. I grew up knowing that some of the blacks have been mistreated by white policeman and others got what they deserve.
But when Officer Jordan #24735 lied on the citation, he showed me that he is no better than what the blacks complaint about white officers wrongly doing to his people, he needlessly lied and enjoyed what it!
Officer Jordon LAPD Airport Police is a NIGER.
Call it what you want but that is what he is!
When I was young, my black friends use to say what goes around comes around.
I see officer Jordon behaving and doing the same things the blacks accuse white officers of doing in the past.
He can not only hide behind a uniform but he also has black history as a shield.
He is just a wannabe thug and liar in uniform.
I say to Officer Jordon, what comes around will go back around, this is karma.
I saw that he enjoyed being rough, arrogant and sneaky, the bi-product ultimately being criminal.
THE CITATION IS VALID, HE NEED NOT HAVE LIED NOR EXAGGERATED, THIS IS CRIMINAL.
THE EXCESS LEVY ON THE CITATION IS REGULATORILY LEGIT BUT VERY CONSTITUTIONALLY WRONG
HIS INITIAL INTIMADATING TONE AND ARROGANCE MAKES IT THE LIKES OF STRONG ARM ROBBERY
THE UNNECESSITATED COMMANDING "YELLING" DICTIVE AND VERY VISIBLE CONFIDENT ENJOYMENT OF IT (SHOWING OFF) COMES DEEPER THAN THE UNIFORM
HIS SWITCH TO CIVIL DEMEANOR LATER DEMONSTRATES HIS TALENT TO BE SNEAKY AND DIRTY LIKE A PHONY
THIS IS THE LAPD TODAY AND SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE SOON!
Thses are the reasons why the public has no sentiment if an officer gets killed on duty.

the speakerphone is not legal.. i just got pulled over for being on my blue tooth speaker phone because the phone was in my hand.. not next to my ear.. in my hand as my arm rested on my center console/arm rest. since when can you not hold something in your hand.. hell i wasn't even on my phone. i pressed the end button.. this is shit. i should have said i was texting not talking.. that seems to still be legal..

Just an fyi for anyone traveling thru the area in the coming days. 3 or 4 bike cops just waiting for someone to stop at the light while talking on their phone and they pull up on the side of them, tap on the window and ask them to pull over. The were catching them like flies. Easy money for the city/county/state. Use a headset and the problem is solved. Your money stays with you.

I too thought that the first time cell phone ticket offense was going to be $20.00 or so. Well, to my surprise, when i opened up my notice from Orange County Superior Court, it said I owed a whopping $152.00 or $192.00 for traffic school. This is ridiculous! I waited 21 minutes on the phone till an operator finally answered my call. The break down was as follows:

$20.00 base fine
$80.00 state fine
$52.00 court fees

All I have to say is this is bogus! We need to fight out legislation and complain about their greed for filling their pockets with our money. We cannot continue to stand for this. If anyone can provide a site where we can sign a petition, please post it!

This law is stupid and hinders our rights as American's. What are they going to fine us for next? I can be holding a donut in my hand or eating an In-n-out burger, while talking with a friend in the car and not get a ticket. Or sipping a starbucks coffee, while turning my head to check on my baby in the back seat.... and not get a ticket. This law has no justification. It's just our stupid government wanting more money from us hard working American's!

Well, I'm going to pay this stupid fine because I don't have a choice and I don't want it ballooning to $800.00.

I was sitting at a stop light while talking on my speaker phone, since I was stopped I picked up the phone to hold it a little closer to my ear and continued to go on with my converstation when a COP had pulled up next to me looking right at me. I turned to look at him and then proceed to finish my conversation, He then pulled behind me. When the light turned GREEN I put the phone down in my lap and proceed on my way being a mile from home. It was then after 2 block the COP put his lights on and pulled me over, and told me he was off duty LAPD and proceeded to tell me that I was talking with my cell phone to my ear while I was driving. I told him I was on my speaker phone and he would not have seen me put it in my lap because he was behind me. He then said that I could agruee that in court. I politely said that I would do that , he proceeded to ask for my info which I gave him. He then went back to speak with the other officer who was in the car with him. After about 20 mins the other officer who was the passanger walked up and gave me the citation. After then looking at it I saw that they also cited me for tinted front windows which 1) I was not told about before signing the ticket and 2) I have the reciept that the tint is with in legal limits. Which I have never been pulled over for the 6 years I have had them tinted. 3) He asked who I was speaking on the phone with and what it was about!! Is this an abuse of power?? I think so and I am deffiantly making a compliant reguarding this sistuation.

The info on the web is ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY WRONG reguarding the amount of the fines. The 1st offense is $20.00 PLUS YOUR COUNTIES ADDITIONAL FEES, WHICH IN Eldorado Co. adds up to a complete rip off of $143.00. The 2nd offense is $215.00. and the third is $750.00 including all the B.S. fees. So drivers beware, check your local county for what the REAL FINE WILL BE.

I was driving the speed limit in my town to get dog food and got a cell phone ticket, my bluetooth was above me but had ran out of juice I explained that to the motorcycle cop he had no sympathy and was very rude. I think getting that ticket was crap, if you cause an accident and your on your phone then a ticket etc. would make sense. But what if your making a quick call and it's not impending your driving.. This cell crap is so dumb.

OK, I just got a cell phone ticket yesterday and I'm pissed too.

The funny thing is that almost every one here is shooting the messenger (the 'pigs') and nary a soul has said a single unkind word about the assholes that crafted this piece of s**t legislation in the first place. The cops are just glorified meter maids in this story. They're just following orders like most of you are.

Every November you people vote for your local incumbant Joe or Jane politition and think you're finally going to stick it to the man when actually you've just stuck it to yourselves!!! Just look at what this state has become and you've got no one else to blame but the one in the mirror. Remember Arnold can't screw this state up by himself!

Nice job.

Texas is looking better day by day.

B

You know I thought I was done with my below post, but after reading over 100 hundred
BELOW READ THEM FOR YOUR SELF from other Real Folks like you.

you will read about the HIGH FINE being Hundreds of Dollars

BUT FOR NOT BEING ON THE PHONE

Many Folks just like you were doing nothing wrong!!!!

they were driving scratching their ear?

Hundreds of Dollar Fines for doing this?

and explained to the officer. " LOOK AT MY PHONE DIALING RECORDS
the phone as recent dialed calls

all phones have this feature

NOT PHONE COP or CHP bothered to verfiy the TRUTH

they simply said what they wanted you to believe

that you were on a cellphone

when in reality YOU WERE NOT!

===============================

Like I said in the below post.

this is nothing.

The TRAINS WITH HOLES ON THE SIDES OF THE BOX CARS

Yes they are to let the air in during the journey

BUT THEY ALSO LET THE GAS IN TOO!!!!

=============
rex 84 Fema Camps is where these TRAINS GO WITH FOLKS LIKE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS
to your last day on earth.

Doubt what I say?

think I am crazy?

nuts?

dont know what I am talking about?

Think Again!

==============================

this cellphone thing is Nothing when you realize WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON

p.s. the world trade center?

not what you think.

PanCake Theory?

==============================

building 7 ? was not hit by anything yet same thing happend.

pentagon? no plane debris or dead bodies?

MOON LANDING?

that is a big hoax too......

WE NEVER LANDED ON THE MOON FOLKS that was a big lie and movie was made in the desert

that was to STEAL YOUR TAXES for nasa nonsense
and to show the world USA is #1 during the spaced race

but more importantly it was a Diversion from the vietnam war

TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY

=============================

its amazing to read the posts how ANGRY FOLKS ARE regarding the cellphone fine.

THAT IS NOTHING WHEN YOU REALIZE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD IS A LIE

no joke.....

really

NOTHING YOU THINK IS REAL

doubt what I say?

still?

Google " AMERO " that is the New Money that is coming soon
the dollar is now really worth only 3.4 cents not much time left before it is worth nothing.

you can blame the cops and california.......

however FEDERAL RESERVE and Goldman Sachs are serious problems

THE MONEY WE USE IS FAKE MADE OUT OF THIN AIR

=================================
counterfitters......

==============
while you work hard for every penny.... the govt simply creates money

NOT BY PRINTING IT ANYMORE, but by computer key stroke.....

Thru Debt Money is Created

THRU FINES MONEY IS OWED

are you starting to see it now?

Thank you for your time

ENJOY YOUR SELF HERE BY READING WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY

better Yet.... Why to leave your own Message for others

WHAT REALLY IS GOING ON....

if you have Real Facts, Share them here.....

This cellphone thing only gets the water WARM

Tonight on the NEWS in the San Jose Area of California, they REPORTED FOR THE SOUTHBAY A CRACKDOWN STARTING TOMORROW 8/11/09 the officer gave a few out to the motorists and told them it was a $225 Ticket not the $20 you hear about or even the $80-$132 others have reported

HE SAID AT LEAST $225-250 for Cellphone Ticket

====================

also A few Posts have got a ticket WHILE ON SPEAKER PHONE?
IT IS OK TO TALK ON SPEAKER PHONE IN THE CAR

IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW TO USE SPEAKER PHONE which most phone use.
however You need to tell them this.

GOOGLE THIS INFO and PRINT THE LAW AND KEEP IT IN THE GLOVE BOX and have the idiot read the
part about SPEAKER PHONE USE OK
=================================
you can also call medical help, or emergency and is OK while driving
READ THE LAW AND PRINT IT TO PROTECT YOU and he will let you go

===============================================

they are going after FRONT LICENSE PLATES TOO!!!!!

BEWARE CALIFORNIA

why?

do they do this?

its not really for the initial money.

ITS TO GET YOU INTO THE SYSTEM AND HOPE YOU FORGET TO PAY IT OR DONT SEND IN THE MONEY
so they can increase the amount but better yet ISSUE A WARRENT FOR ARREST

thats right folks

if you dont pay that is the end result

AN ARREST WARRENT BEING ISSUED and you taken to jail

No that is why......

YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE JUDCICAL SYSTEM WITH A RECORD

I repeat RECORD that is the real reason

because THINGS GET WORSE WHEN THERE IS A RECORD

now you are IN AND OUT OF COURTS WITH ADDITIONAL FINES FEES ETC ETC
and more etc

===============================

also IF YOU ARE UNDER 18
guesss what?

ITS WORSE you cannot even talk using the speaker phone or the blue tooth or whatever
under 18 is ILLEGAL TO USE THE PHONE AT ALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

why is that?

READ THE ABOVE

so they can GET YOU INTO THE SYSTEM EARLY

=============================
they know you dont have the now $600-800 to pay the ticket that was $20

and YOU GO TO JAIL

then it is THOUSANDS TO GET OUT!!!!!!

BEWARE CALIFORNIA THIS IS ALL TRUE

read the posts here....... from others if you doubt what I say.

Have a Nice Day!
is what the cop told the driver on the News Story Tonight......

he also said that will be a $225 ticket,

but thats not true either...... dont pay it and see it will go to $805
then an Arrest Warrent.

now you know the real reason behind this law

TO PULL YOU OVER FOR ANY REASON NOW

they can easily say I saw you talking on your phone,
the judge will believe jackass everytime

but folks it gets much worse........

THERE ARE TRAINS WITH HOLES IN THE SIDES OF THEM THAT GO TO FEMA CAMPS
the ones with "plastic coffins " that hold 3 people linned up. in the
"Rex 84 Fema Camps "GOOGLE THIS IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE

this is where they will take you if you protest, unruly, aggressive, and dont take the
Swine flu vaccination that WILL BE MANDATORY

this same man made flu nonsense is about POPULATION CONTROL
and many will " die " infact Millions will.....its IN THE SHOT THEY GIVE YOU. " ADJUTANTS "

that is what this swine flu is all about

==========================

this will make the cellphone ticket nonsense seem like nothing when compared!

like the cop said

HAVE A NICE DAY

I was pulled over a few weeks ago for talking on my cell phone. When the cops gave me a ticket, they also decided to give me a second one because the address on my license wasn't up-to-date... whatever, that's a fix it ticket so I don't really care. But then when I get the letter in the mail explaining to me my options, it says that I have to pay $334!! This is for the two tickets combined, but it doesn't break them out so I don't even know how much each individual tickets costs!! What they hell? That doesn't even make sense in any way shape or form but I guess I'm not surprised. The ticket then goes on to say that I can correct the license ticket and only pay $25... But the only thing it says about the cell phone ticket other than the $334 amount mentioned above is this: "WHY WOULD I WANT TO GO TO TRAFFIC SCHOOL? the violation 23123A will be dismissed and no points will be added to your DMV record." It says NOTHING about how much that ticket costs individually, it just mentions the $184 that needs to be paid to the court for traffic school. AND I CAN GET POINTS ON MY RECORD FOR THIS?? WTF?!?!?!!? This is completely ridiculous!! Can someone please give me some advice... Who should I call to figure out the ticket amount and whether this will go on my record? (Because obviously this letter is wrong...) Should I call the court? Will they be able to better explain to me my options than this piece of SH*T letter? Please help someone!!

I got a cell phone ticket pulling out of a driveway going under 5 mph. I wasn't even talking i was in the process of saying goodbye and putting my phone down before i was even in the street. The cops lights popped on before i was even completely out of the driveway. It obvious that I was endangering lives driving 5mph in a parking lot and telling my girlfriend that i would be over to pick her up in a couple minutes.

Orange County, CA

I just got a cell phone ticket. My bluetooth's battery had just died & I had to wrap up an important call. I was in bumper-to-bumper traffic heading home going 10mph. All of a sudden a CHP swoops up behind me with all his lights flashing, blasts me with about 3 seconds of siren & then commands me from his louspeaker(!) to put the phone down & pull over to the right. I comply (duh) with the cell phone nazi's orders & have to do the whole "give me your papers" routine. I should be on Cops or Criminal Justice, have my picture in the post office or something. Basically, whatever "proof" is out there that's it's unsafe to talk on the phone is BS. I suppose it's unsafe to talk to someone in the car with you as well. Yelling at your kids (I don't have any), women putting on makeup (I don't wear makeup), men shaving (I shave at home), or flipping through CD's (I listen to the radio) is just dandy. Texting is a distraction, no argument. This is all about revenue for a bankrupt state, run by a liar governor & politicians that spend like drunken sailors. The most dangerous part of this whole cell phone violation scam is the distraction to & collision avoidance by other drivers, having to navigate 5 lanes of freeway, avoid getting hit and having to pull over to a narrow shoulder so some cop can waste valuable time citing you rather than finding drunks or looking for real criminals like politicians.

Okay so I lived in San Fran going on 2 years, and the first year was great no issues. Then come 2009 Feb I started getting tickets for ridiculous shit, 1) because a I ran a Yellow Light, 2) Because I pulled over on the side of the road to take a phone call from my boss, 3) because I turned while a pedestrian was in the walk way, 4) because I was on my cell phone. OMG, what the hell! Is Cali in such a bad shape they have squeeze the life out of us! When I was younger I always wanted to live in Cali and thought it would be great! Now, I hate this State! I hate it so bad!!!! Cali SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!!

you guys are complaining too much!!!! STOP BREAKING THE LAW!!!! SO YOU WONT GET CITED IDIOTS!!!!

My 20 year old got a ticket for talking on her phone. The officer assured her it was $20 and wouldn't affect her record. Of course when the notice came, it was for $135. She gave up several hours to go to traffic court and was told that the violation was $20, but there were numerous other administrative fees that were attached. Because she conceded that she owed the $20, she had to pay the administrative fees as well. I don't know what would have happened had she successfully challenged the entire matter, would they have dropped the fees? I fear this is how municipalities will be covering their budget deficits from now on . . .

Just got a ticket, July 25, 2009, in Albany. I expected the fine to be $25, but just got a notice it is $142. How do they get away with adding extra fees like that?

Danny

thats bullshit..why do we have to pay the 132.00 if the citation is only supposd to be 20.00, I dont get it..they cant just charge whatever they want and expect people to just acquiesce to their absurd inflation. It is not fair. why are our hands tied and we just have to pay quietly, and all we have is this stupid message board to bitch about the numerous things just like this!

I too got a ticket using my speaker phone (phone wasn't by my head). I didn't relaize the speaker phone was th issue. No big deal. Cop was nice, just doing his job etc, not complaining about any of that. What bothers me is the magic $20 to $132 fine increase. No explanantion, no list of itemized fines, taxes, corrupt union dues, etc. Nothing. At the least- they could, and should, list on the bill what we are being charged for. Everyone expects and receives that when they get a bill from a mechanic, a utility, restaraunt bill, etc. It's not unreasonable to know what and where our money is going.

If you (state) are going to charge me $132 for a $20 fine, I have a right to know what the other $112 is being charged for.

I got a first violation for using a cell phone. It was suppose to be $20,
ended up at $132. I have stopped donating to any charity that helps
police, sheriffs, etc. Let them know what it feels like to be short changed.

So I get this ticket and -- very unfortunately -- it gets buried on my desk and I miss the deadline. Now the "bailment" is more than $800!!!!!!!

With that amount, I figure that it is better to show up in court than to simply roll over and pay up. After all, if there is a chance of throwing a monkey wrench into the system, or a chance of keeping that cop from issuing tickets to other people, it is now worth several hundred dollars for me to try!

So if I show up and the cop fails to, I think I can move to dismiss the citation since I couldn't face my accuser. Any disagreement?

If I show and so does the cop, then ... any suggestions as to the best strategy?

Signed,
Anonymous (of course)

let me try and wrap my brain around this law.. its called the hands free law and if you ask me, they missed the point about talking on the cell phone while driving.. it has nothing to do with my hands being free because i can have a Big Mac in one paw, the wheel in the other and that is perfectly legal, right? but my hands need to be free to talk on the cell phone? only if im using sign language!! what the f___ is going on? i will be the first to admit that i and my fellow humans, when engaged in coversation whilst operating a motor vehicle, leave a little to be desired in the multi-tasking department.. it seems we slow down, dont pay enough attention and make stoopid decisions while on the cell phone but unless ive lost my marbles, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY F______ hands! if i had 5 hands it still would not affect what happens when you mix driving and chatting.. and that farce about $20 fine for the first infraction made me a little cavalier about getting caught without my Certified Radio Shack Bluetooth Device stuck in my ear canal.. i figured, like everyone else, that i could afford $20 one time.. but the randomness of the penalty assessment, unknown heretofore, makes this even more aggravating.. some are fined $76, some $139, others $92.. mine? $176.00 FIRST TIME OFFENSE! WTF! we need a revolution in this country.. with the ineptness of county and state employees, (who hasnt had a nightmare at the DMV, or Child Support Court, or Franchise Tax Board?) the increasingly steep fines, fourth ammendment violations with border patrol checkpoints and the gangster mentality of the local and state police, not to mention federal law enforcement like DEA and ATF, mortgage bankers and sub prime lenders and its enough to make you want to climb high atop the college water tower with a 50 cal. sniper rifle and start popping heads like they were so many watermelons! we are being pushed beyond our capacity to remain sane and non violent! this bottom rung is crowded and the anger is rising, and pretty soon..........

THIS LAW IS UBSURD! HOW MANY PEOPLE INCLUDING OFF-DUTY COPS GET A QUICK CELL PHONE CALL WHILE DRIVING? THIS LAW IS NOT TO PROTECT DRIVERS IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN NO ONE SHOULD BE DRIVING, RADIOS SHOULD BE OFF OR WHY NOT GO EXTREME, IF YOUR HAND IS NOT ON THE STEERING WHEEL YOU GET A VIOLATION! HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURED (NO CELL), SIMPLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS NOT CAREFUL, DRUNK VISE VERSA! THIS LAW IS TO MAKE MONEY OF CALIFORNIANS, IF THEY REALLY WANT TO PROTECT THEN THE STUPID POLITICIANS SHOULD BANNED DRIVING IF THAT IS THE CASE. POLITICIANS WANT THIS LAW BECAUSE THEY TOO ANSWER CELL PHONES, AND THEY TOUGHT HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE MORE MONEY TO COVER FOR THEIR EXPENSES. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY STEALING FROM FELLOW HARD WORKING AMERICANS! THEN THEY IMPOSE STUPID LAWS LIKE THIS ONE. LATELY THE OFFICERS (PROBABLY MAKING 50K GOEVERNMENT WORKER THAT HAS NO INTELLECT IN BUISNESS SO THEY SETTLE FOR "BEING JERK" JOBS, BUNCH OF LOOSERS WEARING AN OUTFIT THINKING THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW) HAVE NO MERCY. I AM PREGNAT WITH MEDICAL BILLS GREAT DRIVING RECORD, STUDENT, MOM TO A 5YR OLD, WITH A FULL TIME JOB, AND WHEN BEGGED TO GIVE ME A BREAK BECAUSE OF ECONOMY DOWN (BY THE WAY ECO DOWN BECAUSE OF CROOKED POLITICIANS WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF BALANCING BUDGETS) AND THE OFFICER SAID LAW DONT WORK LIKE THAT, AND JUST HANDED ME THE TICKET. I SHOULD ASKED HIM TO TAKE ME TO JAIL INSTEAD, TO PROOVE A POINT IN HOW INJSUTICE AND STUPID THIS LAW IS. IS A LAW NOT TO PROTECT BUT TO TAKE YOUR MONEY AWAY SO PEOPLE ABOVE CAN DRIVE THEIR FANCY CARS AND GO TO LAVISH HOMES... WHAT KIND OF AMERICAN JUSTICE IS THAT...

Los Angeles - CA
I was driving down on 5 south from LA to OC and got caught by a CHP guy @ LA downtown on july 1st 2009.
He was pretty cold and was not interested in listening to anything. When asked him how muc, he told me that "it would be a small ticket like a slap on th wrist with no points to your record"

I got the ticket now for $132.

I guess no other option but to pay it -:(

I just got pulled over for using a cell phone while driving. I was actually talking on speaker phone, but I had my cell phone held up near the wheel, because I can't hear it otherwise. I asked the cop how much it would be and he said somewhere between $100-150. He was honest with me. When I asked him about the $20, he said that once they process it, include court fees, etc. it comes out to over $100. Oy ve. Until I heard that, I really didn't care.... but Bluetooth, here I come.

Unbelievable, I've bought two bluetooths so far and do they all just work like crap? Anyway, I'm driving along talking and trying to jam this garbage into my cranium when the officer pulls me over. So what about my bluetooth? He says, "I say your hand up so it couldn't have been a hands free call!" Hardy har har. I get ticket CVC 23121A for using a cellphone while trying obey the law. As if spending an entire hands free session saying, "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW" is safer than just using the bloody phone in the first place. Well I know I'm screwed, no way to constest the call and prove it was wireless. Everyone out their in internetland watch out for cops in Moreno Valley!

can someone help and me I just got a cellphone ticket but i don't know what to do .?!
i still haven't got the ticket in the mail but i'm guessing reading all these comments its 132$ but do you have to go to court to pay?
and where do you pay the ticket thing?! Its my first ticket for anything so i'm so confused

Was on the cell phone ,got caught,mended my ways got a bluetooth headset. Read and was expecting a was a $20 fine got a ticket for $141 ...Did not give any details just bail amount $141. WTF????

Well my son got a ticket if February for talking on the cel phone in Woodland Hills. He didn't have the money to pay the $129 total fine, not $20 as they say. Now in July I find this out and offered help to pay the $129 and maybe $200 additional late fees, so I thought. Well, the late fees are now a total of $805. This is a horrendous thing to do to people right now when everyone is suffering from economic woes. The courts send the tickets to collection agencies now. These excessive late fees are tantamount to tyranny, and there is nothing you can do about it. We are being oppressed with fines and increased taxes. That's "change" for you.

was driving with husband & two kids, bitting nails, got pulled over and was given ticket for cell phone use while driving...what bullshit, stupid cop had his shades on and sun was down (not dark fall yet but no sun to have to wear shades) anyways my 7 yr old got his first listen on how corrupt pigs are....

I was told by the officer who gave me the ticket in April, 2009, that it would be a small fine if I went to court. I waited outside the court in the cold for the first half-hour, then another 2 1/2 hours before I could appear before the judge to reduce the $142.00 ticket--I also had to wait before everyone who needed a translator, most of whom did not have a driver's license and were let go with a fine--all of these individuals, whenever they arrived, were sent to the front of the line with the translator. I was patient, polite, and pleasant and my fine was only reduced to $116.00. So I spent gas, mileage, and over 3 hours to get a $26.00 reduction. Just pay the fine and spend time changing the law, not trying to deal with the court.

I GOT PULLED OVER WHILE ON MY PHONE STUPID COP TOLD ME THAT MY TICKET WOULD BE $20.00 HE SAID DONT WORRY ABOUT IT I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL FOR $328.00 AND TRAFFIC SCHOOL I BLEW IT OFF AND NOW ITS UP TO $600.00 JUST FOR USING MY FUCKING PHONE... THANK U ARNOLDD

A cop friend passed me in his car and a min. later my cell phone rang. It was my friend the cop.
It was then a CHP put his lights on me and I pulled over.
My cop friend said, is he a county Cop or a CHP ? I told him it was a CHP.
He said, They are assholes ! That him talking to the CHP couldn't get me out of the ticket.
That is was only a $20.00 ticket.
About 4 weeks later I got a letter in the mail. $ 141.00 F#%kin dollars.
What the hell ? I told my cop friend about this. We came to the conclusion.
If the State of California told people the Ticket was $141.00 and up.
People would not use there cell phones while driving. But telling us that it is only $20.00
they know they have a CASH COW !!!
I am really starting to HATE this state. Texas is starting to look real good !

What a Joke - $122. for my cell phone ticket in Fresno County! This Oinker Motorcycle cop who was way too big for his bike pulled me over as he puffed out his chest and walked to my window. He still had donut crumbs on his too tight police outfit. Long story short, gave me a ticket that was supposed to be $20. Yea right! More like $122. Yet our State still has the worse deficit ever? Where is this money going? The courtsey notice letter they send you sure in the hell doesn't show all the "fees!" It just has the bail amount! As I drove to work, I counted 15 drivers on their cell phone in a 8 minute period.
Great job Oinkers! I know you didn't write the law, you just enforce the stupidity of it! I just wish you'd pull each other over as you hold that DONUT to your mouth and drive with one hand! What a Joke!

I got pulled over wrongfully on this one...I was driving and drinking a soda when a cop pulled me over. He asked for my information and asked if i know what he stopped me for, I told him no i don't( I really didn't). He straight up said i was texting while driving, that really shocked me because i really wasn't. I told him "i wasn't texting officer". He said don't lie i saw you did it and just gave me ticket. I was pretty upset on this one because i really wasn't texting nor was on my phone at the time i was pulled over. My phone was actually in my pocket the whole time. I mean if i really did it i was just paid for the ticket because texting is freaken dangerious but I was wrongfully accuse on this one. I bet if though my soda was my phone but the police man just didn't want to hear what i have to say. He seems to be in a hurry. I just hope my phone record would clear me at this point.

They should also start ticketing for eating in the car, smoking, driving with one hand on the wheel, talking to other passengers in the car, listening to music, ummm, am I forgetting anything? People are bad drivers, with or without the cell phone to their ear. This law is a frivolous way to extort money from us. I am truly disgusted that a $20 fine is really a $132 ticket...at least I'm hoping from some of the amounts mentioned on this site. SHOCKING!!!! At least when the police call to raise money, I can say already donated!!!

Well it seems like counties can pretty much charge whatever the hell they want to for these "$20" tickets.
Mine was in Sacramento County - bail - $138.

I seldom talk on the phone while driving. I own a bluetooth but got out of the habit of wearing it since I got so few calls.

So one day my son calls me, I take the call without hands-free device, and there is Mr. CHP asshole, ready to write a ticket.
The damn bluetooth was in my pocket.
I figured, no big deal, $20, and I have started to use the bluetooth again, even if my calls are infrequent.

Then my ticket comes in the mail today, $20 turns into $138, and I find this site that basically confirms it is the higher amount.

This is no doubt a way for the government of the bankrupt state of California to get some easy money from its citizens.

The CHP have definitely kicked up their enforcement several notches.
The next time that I hear a cop gets shot, I will not feel sorry for him. There is a good chance that the bastard deserved it.

FUCK THESE ASSHOLE COPS!

I just rcvd. a "NOTICE TO APPEAR" 4 USING the cell phone 2day!....the ONE time using it......WTF.!!!!. ..aww well...m glad for the insightful info. from everyone here making a comment of this new LAW of making "DONATIONS"!! lol

I received a ticket while on a business trip to OC - and I was stopped just for talking on the cell phone - which I was not aware of. The officer said that it would be a $25 and would not show on my driving record.. I had to wait about a month to find out how much it was and it is was $132, NOT $25 as the officer said it would be...and it offered me to go to Traffic school for $180. Why would I need to go to Traffic school if it isn't going on my driving record. DAH... and also everything I see says the first offense is $20..not $132.. HAs anyone been able to fight this $ amount - it states it is $20 for the first offense- not $132..ANd I am not late yet.. It is not due until July 30th or something .. So I am confused.. Kelley

on May 27th, I got pulled over for being on my cell phone, I had it on speaker phone. I did not have proof of insurance in my car but the officer believed me that I had auto insurance. He wrote my ticket up for talking on a cell phone and no proof of auto insurance and marked the auto insurance proof as a NOT A FIX IT violation. I received my courtesy bail amount in the amount of $934.00. I have a prefect driving record and I find this to be loan sharking. I guess they figure if you have a job you can pay it and you are paying for others that cannot pay and are in jail.

Is it legal for cops to use there cell phones wile driving? I saw a Roseville cop with one in his ear for about 2 or so miles and then he missed the green light thus going thur the red. This is bull! Does anyone know the law regarding cops and cell phones?

Found this site and started reading peoples comments, complaints and bad references to law enforcement.
So as one of those bad, thieving, crooked, stupid, corrupt, etc, I would like to give you the other side of the coin.

We do not create the law and put them into the books, you do!.

For the people who truly have people in hospital, sick kids, etc. Pull over and stop, talk to them, tell them you are on your way. Its better than being on the cell phone and having a crash so that you end up not getting to them, or getting stopped and issued a ticket.

Now the people who also get pulled over because of putting finger into ear, hand on head to keep it up etc, but not on the phone. Go to court with you phone records showing that you was not on the phone at that date and time. You should have no problem getting the ticket dismissed by the judge.

I have had stopped a person who had the phone up to his face, when I said I was stopping him because he was on the phone, he said that he was not. I asked why was it in his hand, and up to his face. He replied that he chews on it when he is driving.

Good answer, but believe it or not people say the most bizarre things to get out of a ticket. So to sort his comment out I asked him to show me his last dialed and received calls, and what did it show, he had not been on the phone when I stopped him. So what did I do, advised him that it was not a good ideal to hold on to his phone as it would tend to get him pulled over.

I let him go on his way along with some other comments to pass along to his friends and family, that it was also not legal to use the speaker phone system, when still holding the phone, as the law is Hands free.

I have had people say but it’s not to my ear!!!!

As for the cost, we generally do not know what the final cost is for tickets, other than what is stated in public records, (Cell $20) and if we are wrong, then we get the other end of the stick, but the cop told me it was going to be $500, and the courts are billing me $1000.

When asked I said that the fine is $20 plus court fees, note that I make sure that they know that the final cost is not just the $20. I also tell them that its not a point on there driving license, but is recorded.

On the upside I do know what total cost is for my area as my daughter got a ticket for the cell phone and it was more than the $20, like wise my son got a seat belt ticket, which was also more than the fine.

For the people who are on the cell and get caught, just remember the time when you got pushed off the road by that other person on the phone, not aware of you or people around them, and you wished there was a cop around to give them a ticket.

Many people are misinformed as I was. I called CHP. The pointed me to this:

Search for "23123" in the following document 2009_jcbail.pdf (Google for it. Sorry, I am not allowed to post links. It a California state government document) Document titled is "UNIFORM BAIL AND PENALTY SCHEDULES" -- obvious innit?

Well, I got "busted" by a big bad motorcycle-riding-bagel-eating-moustache-having-leather-clad A-HOLE for what he said was a $20 ticket. He lied. Arnold lied. The government lies - big surprise. The ticket was NOT $20 it was $132. And, I lost the damn thing. My wife and I have a 15 month old daughter and have no free time what-so-ever and I subsequently forgot about the thing until today. I went down to pay it and found out that it had jumped up to $689. Are you F*CK!N@ KIDDING ME!? What a bunch of thieving lying PRICKS. I am a law abiding citizen. I vote. I don't engage in illegal activities. I report crime. I do the right thing for the right reasons. That said, I do not believe the police are here to help anyone. They most certainly have NEVER helped me. FU@K THE PO-LICE!

I come out of the Alberton's parking lot when my mother calls. I pick up the phone (have my ear piece in my side door), make a left out of the parking lot and a cop is right there. He sees that I have JUST entered the road. He pulls me over, I try to explain, SHOW him the earpiece but acts like a the stereotypical harda$$. I'm out here for law school from Illinois where it is NOT illegal so I keep forgetting. It is second nature to just grab my phone when it rings and I am driving. I try to explain this to him, and of course, it was to no avail. Hopefully I will see him in the courtroom five years from now because he did something stupid as a cop.

i was lost trying to get to a dr.'s appt for my 2 sons.... i had my cellphone on speaker and was holding it in my hand NOT EVEN CLOSE TO MY EAR kinda like a walkie talkie.....and him and his partner pulled me over and i said i was calling for directions as I was lost AND they didn't even let me slide.....NICE....this is why cops get a bad name for themselves... i'm a single mom thats been driving for twenty years with only 1 accident on my record and thats because i fell asleep at the wheel.!!!!! I pay more attention when I have the cellphone to my ear then when its on speaker phone cause I cant understand and hear the person talking !!!!!! shitty law for EXPERIENCED DRIVERS !!!!!

I HOPE ALL CORRUPT COPS DIE!I HOPE ALL CORRUPT COPS DIE!I HOPE ALL CORRUPT COPS DIE!

Does pleading no contest at arraignment keep this off your driving record for insurance purposes???

I got a notice saying that mine is $170 in San Diego? What the dealio? Even $132 is too much, but $170?

The point of this law is to reduce accidents. A friend of mine was hit this week by a woman who drifted out of her lanes while reaching for her cell phone. It rang so she 'HAD' to get it. My friend and two of her daughters are in hospital. Her youngest is probably going to be paralysed for life.

Now I'll be the first to agree that CHP are retards and that there are a lot of bogus tickets being handed out. But the law is a good law.

Re-cap. Back in Feb. I was pulled over for using a cell phone while driving. I wasn't. I was scratching my ear. Cop wouldn't listen. I get a $132.00 bail, fine, or whatever you call it. I waited until I was able to print out my phone record for that time. Applied for a "Trial by Declaration" and paid my bail. I wrote a polite and clear explanation of the events, included a copy of my phone record showing I had not been on the phone that day, and included a copy of my bill to show that the phone record was for my phone. Today I received a notice from the court that it found me "NOT GUILTY" and is refunding the total amount of my bail. I should receive the refund within 60 days. So from the day of the citation up to today is a little less than 2 months. I will be a little less cynical from now on. I recommend patience and politeness.... unless your guilty. Then you should just suck it up and pay your fine!

I drive a taxi in San Diego. Today I got stopped and pulled over. When the officer asked me, "If I knew why I was pulled over", "I told him absolutely not" and when he told me it was because I was using a cell phone while driving I couldn't believe it. The funny part about it the police commented on what a nice Blue tooth hands free system I had. At the time I had a passenger who told the police that I wasn't on the phone. The officer said "He saw something rectangle shape by my right ear". Well it turns out that he confused my ID Badge which is required to worn by ALL DRIVERS at ALL TIMES as a CELL phone.
HE GAVE ME A TICKET ANYWAY. Could not believe it.

SO according to the police I had a bluetooth wireless headset in my left ear and holding up the cell phone to my right ear talking to them on my cell phone and also talking to my passenger because I can tell the police my exact conversation. This was ALL DONE without the my Phone company records recording the phone call. If you are in the eastern part of San Diego around 805 freeway and University beware of officer Reinhold and Maley, these police are dangerous and morons.

I will not accept this on my record. I intend to fight it. I have my phone records showing no calls within 15 minutes before I was pulled over and 30 minutes after. I also have my passenger who has agreed to testify that I was not on the phone. Intend to go dressed exactly as I was the day with the ID Badge and everything. To show that it's take a real genius to confuse an ID Badge for a Cell phone.

I don't why anyone would get a hands free set any way I spent a good $135 dollars on the best Blue tooth I could get and for what so the police could compliment me on it and than give me a ticket any way. But it really sucks the police can make whatever accusation they want and when the dust settles. You still end paying the court fees and everything to prove that you were innocent. Not to mention the lost income from going down and wasting your time in a court system. What a scam.

John
San Diego Ca

So what will be the next Pus*y law CA passes---eating while driving? Reaching in the backseat while driving? Daydreaming while driving? Adjusting the radio while driving? CA culture and laws are way too soft, it's sybmol is a big wet sloppy crying vag*na. Please don't be hypocrites; you must now create legislation against anything that may be unsafe. Make it illegal to shave with a straight edge. Outlaw taking Tylenol while having a beer. Make it illegal for adults to smile at children---you'll cause their mothers to experience anxiety. The sanctity of life is sooooo effing precious, by all means, don't leave the effing house, unless you've applied sunscreen (next pus*y law.) You're a bunch of pus*ies and you voted the sloppiest whiniest Sheila Broflovski politicians to represent you. No wonder your state is in such a deficit. You shoot from the pus*y. You let the softies pull the wool over your eyes with their soft crying pus*ies.

Notice how other states haven't followed suit quickly with passing this law because they aren't a bunch of safety freak pus*ies trying to make names for themselves. I hope the politicians who made a name for themselves passing this Pus*y bill into legislation are proud of the name they made for themselves.

Blame it on toxic assets - San Mateo lost $132 Million when Lehman Brothers failed.
They only need to pull over 1M morons on their cellphones to get it back.

But, I don't like the law either. The law should say - "cause an accident while talking on the phone, go to jail for 1 to life depending on the damage and mayhem caused".

I had my phone wired to my earpiece ie following the law and using a proper handsfree device. I picked up the phone
for a few mins while still talking thru my earpiece.
The lights go on. I stop and I show the CHP officer my earpiece, and that I was using that. He tells he he does not know what it is.!!! or rather refuses to know what it is !!! All he talks about is I need to drive with 2 hands on the wheel ... So WTF am I suppose to do. I have never had a ticket all my life !! ( Accidents yes tickets NO )
I figure always a first time... $20 may not be so bad..
I get $132 no explanation of the fees. I check the Uniform Bail Code PDF and I see sample calc of $76 I dont know what fuzzy math is used to coem up with this amount. I thought I would fight this.. But reading that everyon se else it seems all of us are getting scrwd-ovr and in my case its the technicality!!

Next time I get a call for donation I am going to have a serious talk with the guy on the other end of the line..

Get your pitch forks ready... !!!

Cell phone ticket $138 Folsom CA 1st offence!

Have a Palm 750 treo with speeker phone. Yep, and I was only holdling the phone with speeker on. Additonally, my nephew had emergency heart surgury that morning and a peer had emergency kideny surgury to be removed: both that morning and calls were coming in to give me most needed updates...I explained this to the police, but he said, "Sorry, you were holding the phone. That's against the law." First-time offence should be $20, but, you guessed it, a ticket for $138 arrived WTF?

CA so freeking broke they go after law abiding citizens... get this.. I had a little work done by my property in Orangevale- right of way. Wide open space.. to remove 1.5 yards of dirt. Two days later, with four trucks, a bob cat and 8 laborors.. it is still not finnished. Second day.. they pulled with four trucks at 7:15.. by 10:00 they still did not have the bob cat off (which I spent 12 years in construction- this project needed two guys with a shovel for about 4 hours to comlete) and they were all standig aroung BS'ing.

Freeking out rage of out tax payers dollar... More TEA PARTIES!!!

I just called the traffic division to ask about my 132.00 ticket for first time cell phone offense. She said "that's right...132.00...whoever told you differently didn't have the facts right. It has never been 20.00." whatever. Plus a judge I know personally advised me NOT to waste my time going to court. whatever.

OK - got the CV 23123(a) ticket. Below is what I'm doing. Hope it helps someone else.

It was morning, and I was punching in a number on my blackberry. The blackberry is handsfree talk / listen, as is my bluetooth speaker that is mounted right over the visor. Cop sees me holding the blackberry and punching in the number...and before I hit send: woo woo go the lights and over I go. Tried explaining I wasn't "on the phone", and pointed to the speaker phone. He barks at me and tells me "there is no way you're talking your way out of this, so just be quiet".

Here's the deal:
1) The actual code for CV23123(a) states "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." I have pulled my cell phone records and can prove I was not on the phone at the the time of ticket. The first call that my phone was involved in on that date was a good 40 minutes after the cop ticketed me.

2) The phone I used is configured for hands-free use. I have pulled the manufacturer's specs to prove this. It was no where near my ear. I was typing the phone number into it, the officer saw it in my hand.

3) I had a bluetooth speaker over my visor, in plain sight of the cop. This speaker adds an additional layer of "handsfree". I am bringing that speaker to court.

4) Lastly, as many of you have pointed out - dialing a phone is NOT a violation of 23123. The code prohibits talking and listening in a manner that is not handsfree. Not dialing.

5) On the offchance the cop tries to argue "you were texting", my response is that he charged me with 23123(a) (the cell phone talking code), not 23123.5 - which is the texting code. He can't change what he charged me with after the fact.

So - I am all set to argue my case that I did not violate 23123(a). Here's what I've done on court logistics:
1. First - wait for your notice to appear. If after 3-4 weeks it does NOT appear, call and go online to look it up. Once you get the notice, go (in person) to the traffic clerk to sign up for an arraignment appearance in lieu of posting bail. DO THIS. I bought an extra 6 weeks (on top of the 6 weeks already spent) this way. You can also to Trial By Written Declaration - but my case was sticky. I have an old address on my driver's license, and all of the ticket notices went there. I started getting scared when I couldn't do the automated phone system (after 6 weeks the citation STILL hadn't appeared in the system), so I went there in person.

2. On the day of the arraignment (3 mos after the ticket), they told me that because the officer did not submit his side of the story in writing and was not present - I had 2 choices: traffic school or formal trial. I could do traffic school...but dammit, why pay a school $300 and then the Gov $200 for a violation that I did not commit?? It's become a matter of principle. So I took the formal trial option. They set the trial date for SIX MONTHS later. Holy cow! It's highly unlikely the cop will show, and if he does - he probably won't remember what took place 9 months earlier on a routine traffic stop.

3. I have all of my evidence (cell phone records, phone specifications) neatly organized and put into a folder, and I am waiting for my trial date later this fall.

I would love to hear from anyone that's fought CV 23123 with a similar defense, what's working and what isn't?