From Audi to Volvo, BMW to Toyota, and all those in between, Bluetooth connectivity as a standard feature, or reasonably priced optional feature, is becoming the norm, and it comes not a moment too soon, because this week, California joined the cell phone legislation bandwagon when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law restricting all drivers under the age of 18 from using cell phones, laptops, and text messaging devices while driving, and requiring that all drivers use hands-free technology for cell phone use regardless of age.



The California law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2008, is not the first - both Colorado and Maryland already have similar laws in place - but it is among the largest automobile markets in the country, with a relatively young driving age, which means it's likely to see the most impact.

Hands-free technology in cars is not new, though it originally came with a price tag upwards of $2,000. Now, however, even mid-range cars like those in Toyota's line-up at least come with the option, and in higher-end makes, like Audi and BMW, it is standard.

All of this is wonderful for the geeky among us, of course, but why is hands-free technology so important if only California, Colorado, and Maryland have legislation to penalize those who don't hang up before they drive? The answer is simple: it's not just those three states. Here are some examples of cell phone laws as related to driving, from around the US:

?School bus drivers are forbidden from using cell phones while driving buses (even hands-free) in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Tennessee.

?Massachusetts requires that drivers have one hand on the steering wheel at all times, even while using a cell phone. Technically, voice activated dialing meets this requirement, but it's not safe. In addition, Brookline, MA requires hands-free kits for cell phone use in cars.

?Florida requires that one ear be uncovered, and that surrounding sound can be heard. While single-ear Bluetooth headsets meet this requirement, a hands free kit is recommended.

?Washington, D.C. requires the use of hands-free kits in order to use a cell phone while driving, but drivers under the age of eighteen are restricted from using a phone while driving at all.

?New Hampshire takes things a step further with a law against "distracted driving." People in that state can be pulled over for anything - including cell phone use - that makes it obvious the driver's attention is not on the road. There is no distinction between hands-free and hands-on usage.

With those laws already on the books, most states at least collecting data on how many accidents were caused by drivers who were talking on the phone while their vehicles are in motion, and the National Conference of State Legislatures website showing information that even stricter laws are under consideration around the country - like the prohibition of cell phone use in ANY motor vehicle that is in motion, no matter how old the driver is - integrated Bluetooth in cars could be not only a wise choice from a safety point of view, but also from a financial one. After all traffic tickets add up, and insurance premiums go up when you have moving violations.