Even though many people know that, when driving, it is helpful to keep all distractions aside and focus on the job at hand, very few live by the rule and try to save time by beginning different activities rather inappropriate during their trips. Some work on their laptops, some eat, others fix their make-up, play video games or watch movies. There aren’t any laws against all these apparently harmless activities but the state of California recently decided on scratching of the list one of the drivers’ favorite occupations.

Starting with July 1, all drivers must use a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth headset piece when talking on their cell phones.

The law was expected for quite some time now and it aims at reducing the number of accidents caused by drivers paying more attention to their answer key than to the road.

When caught for the first time talking on their mobiles without such a device, drivers will have to pay a $20 fine and from the second time on, a $50 ticket.

There are certain exceptions to the law, which involve the emergency personnel driving in authorized vehicles on their way to emergencies or similar work related duties and also commercial drivers, with class A or B licenses. These exceptions will only be admitted until 2011 when a new set of rules will be released.

There are several other states with similar laws including Connecticut, New Jersey, Utah, New York, Washington D.C. and the Virgin Islands. Other states such as New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania, even though failed to approve statewide laws, do allow their local jurisdictions to enforce restrictions for cell phone use.