• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Going Hands-Free

Posted on: Monday, 1 August 2005, 12:01 CDT

Aug. 1--Starting Oct. 1, Connecticut drivers will be banned from talking on cell phones while driving unless they use a hands-free accessory.

Here's what motorists need to know about the new law and shopping for a hands-free device:

THE NEW LAW PROHIBITS:

--Using a cell phone behind the wheel without an earpiece, speaker-phone system or similar hands-free device. The exception: When reporting a medical or public-safety emergency.

--Using other "mobile electronic devices" while driving, such as two-way text-messaging devices, personal digital assistants, video game players and laptop computers. Some examples: GameBoy, Sidekick and Palm Pilot units.

--Drivers under 18 from using cell phones in a car while it is moving, regardless of whether it has a hands-free accessory. Also, school bus drivers transporting passengers can only use a cell phone for emergency calls to public-safety authorities or school officials.

THE PUNISHMENT:

--A fine of up to $100. First-time violators can avoid the fine by proving they've purchased a hands-free device soon after getting the ticket -- unless they were driving a school bus or were under 18 when ticketed.

THE LAWS FOR DRIVERS USING CELLPHONES IN NEARBY STATES:

--New York: Prohibited without hands-free device.

--Rhode Island: No prohibition except on school bus drivers.

--Vermont and New Hampshire: No prohibitions.

--Massachusetts: Prohibited in Brookline. Municipalities can enact their own limits, although limits are placed on school bus drivers statewide.

--Maine: No prohibition, except in all cases for people under age 18 or driving on learner's permits.

--New Jersey: Prohibited without hands-free device, and in all cases except emergencies for school bus drivers and those on learner's permits and intermediate beginner's licenses.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR PHONE'S CAPABILITIES

Does it include wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, so you can use a cordless earpiece? Will the standard 2.5-mm connector used on many earpieces and headsets fit your phone, or will you need an adapter?

PICKING AN EARPIECE OR HEADSET:

Check the accessories that came with your cell phone when it was purchased. Many companies now include basic, no-frills earpieces.

HOW MUCH?

Prices start below $20 for basic models, but experts say that cheaper models sacrifice comfort and voice quality. Earpieces equipped with wireless Bluetooth technology, which work only with compatible phones, can run up to $150.

CHECK FOR COMFORT:

Do you prefer an "in-ear" item, one that loops over the ear, one that clips on your earlobe, or a headset? How far do you want the "boom," or microphone, to extend around your cheek? Is it adjustable, and can you get gel caps to fit over the earpiece and improve the fit?

Pick a retailer that allows you to return the item if you don't like its comfort or quality. Many electronics stores and online retailers allow returns with receipts even if the sealed package is open, but buyers should always ask first.

They can be purchased almost anywhere in which cell phones and accessories are sold, ranging from high-end electronics stores to local retailers.

Consider features you'd want -- such as an answer/end switch on the cord and volume control -- and whether it's easy to put on and remove, particularly with one hand.

OTHER OPTIONS:

A cradle that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket and turns your cell phone into a speaker phone; or, if your phone already can be used as a speaker phone, a simple bracket to attach it to the dashboard while you drive.

Some newer vehicles -- including many Lexus, BMW and Acura models -- use Bluetooth wireless technology for their navigation systems. If your phone is equipped with Bluetooth, you may be able to operate the phone through that system as a speaker phone; check with your dealer.

-----

To see more of The Hartford Courant, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.courant.com.

Copyright (c) 2005, The Hartford Courant, Conn.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

TM, BMW, HMC,

Source: The Hartford Courant, Connecticut

More News in this Category