Greetings,

As I have mentioned in the past, starting July 1st you can be fined for using a cell phone while driving ($20 for first offense, $50 for subsequent convictions). Let us take a moment to thank those of you that can't chew gum and rub your stomach at the same time. You know whom I'm talking about; Ms. can't put the phone down to make a U-turn or Mr. I can drink my latte frufru while holding my cell and steering with my leg.

It is time to use both hands again while driving people. There are several ways you can conform to this new law. I will outline the top options for you:

1. Buy a Bluetooth ear piece: The top model on the market today is the Jawbone. The actual engineering behind this ear piece was derived from military use. If you are looking for crisp and clear with minimal echo, look no further. The price ranges anywhere from $80-100 dollars. The least expensive place I have found it is Fry's Electronics in Oxnard.

2. Use a cell phone ear piece/ headset: Many cell phone models still allow connection of a wired ear piece. these are safer than a Bluetooth since they do not give off radiation. No, not nuclear, "RF" or Radio Frequency energy. Contact your carrier or shop online to find out if this option may work for your phone. The typical cost is anywhere from $5-20 dollars.

3. Utilize a "plug & play" hands-free kit: The most common of these is the Parrot line. They currently have a large advertising campaign in print and radio promoting these simple hands-free systems. The most popular is a visor mount kit that syncs with your Bluetooth phone. You simply turn the unit on when entering and just like that, you have a speaker phone and mic just above your head. You can pick up a Parrot visor mount for $60-70 dollars.

4. Purchase a Bluetooth-enabled head unit (stereo) for your car: I went with this option recently in my Colorado. I have a friend who owns Drive Customs, a car stereo shop back up in San Luis Obispo. I wanted to update my stock unit with something that had both Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility. He suggested the Pioneer P8000-BT and I love it. You can find this or similar models anywhere from $200-$350 dollars.

As soon as I step into the car my stereo auto-connects to my phone. There is a microphone subtly installed just above the rear view mirror. The actual audio transmits through the cars speakers and as soon as a call comes in it even pauses my music.

On top of that I can now plug my iPod into a USB connector stashed in the center console. The single control knob on both the stereo and the remote is setup the same as the iPod knob and makes navigating my tracks a breeze.

Whatever option you chose to go with, no that in a few weeks it's the law. Also for those that have teenagers on the roads; No one under the age of 18yrs. is allowed to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle. This includes; texting, 2-way and calling. My law enforcement friends have told me they will be paying special attention to this law as it pertains to minors.

Stay safe out there,

Lance

Helpful Sites:

Q&A from DMV on new cell phone laws:
www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm

My top pick for Bluetooth ear piece:
www.jawbone.com

Accessories for your phone:
www.VerizonWireless.com
www.ATT.com/wireless
www.Sprint.com

Bluetooth equipped stereos:
www.Crutchfield.com
www.DriveCustoms.com