California passed a law this month, permitting handsfree texting in the automobile, which could lead the way for local retailers to sell new handsfree equipment add-ons.
The law AB 1536 takes effect January 1 and stipulates that “voice” texting is permissible.
“A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, unless the electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send, or listen to a text-based communication, and it is used in that manner while driving,” states the revised section of the state vehicle code.
With fines, fees and surcharges, distracted driving violators could pay up to $372 out of pocket, said Hands-FreeInfo.com.
We asked California authorities if the law permits drivers to hear their Facebook and Twitter feeds read aloud in the car. We were given the following rule of thumb by the office of California Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, a proponent of the bill:
The driver is not subject to fines if the device in use is designed to allow one touch activation and then voice operation with 100 percent handsfree use after the initial activation. The law specifically does not talk about different technologies as these may change.
Some aftermarket products with voice controlled texting that California retailers may want to offer consumers include the following (note: some of the products may require a 3rd party subscription to a voice service):
Audiovox by DICE MediaBridge 1500 (via Siri)
Got2bWireless G2-2200, G2-1100, GTS-501
Intraphex Prodigy One Pro (Ships Q4)
Source: CEoutlook, Hands Free Info
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