EDITORIAL: Hang up your cell on road

This is a big head’s up for drivers who are addicted to gabbing on their cellphones.

Adult drivers in California will have to stop talking “” at least on hand-held wireless phones. Teenagers younger than 18 may not use any form of wireless communication while behind the wheel.

Two new statewide laws prohibiting drivers from gabbing and driving will go into effect Tuesday.

The laws are designed to cut down on the “distracted driver” syndrome that we all have at some point encountered.

Some of these “distracted drivers” have caused unnecessary injury or deaths on the road.

According to the California Highway Patrol, cellphone use is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions.

The two new laws that both go into effect Tuesday are SB 33 and SB 1613.

SB 33 is aimed at teens and makes it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to use any wireless device while driving a vehicle. Because teenage drivers are young, inexperienced behind the wheel and more easily distracted, legislators decided that it is best to avoid any extra distractions while they drive.

Teen drivers “” and their parents “” should note that using a wireless device, even with a hands-free add-on, is a primary violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull them over.

This is a very important new law to protect young drivers and the public “” motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among those aged 16 to 20 in the United States, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Adults may use their cellphones while driving, but the new law requires them to use a hands-free device.

This is also a primary offense, so if you are cited by a law enforcement officer for breaking this law, you will have to pay a fine: First offenses will result in a $20 fine, with subsequent offenses of $50. If penalties are assessed, these fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.

While no points will be assessed on DMV records, the infraction will still show on motorists’ driving records.

Exceptions to both rules will include emergency situations “” calls to law enforcement, health providers, the fire department, etc. “” and if you are operating a vehicle while on private property. Neither law applies to passengers in cars.

For more information about the new laws, check out the California Department of Motor Vehicles website www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphone laws/index.htm.