Just a friendly reminder that starting tomorrow (July 1, 2009), you will need a handsfree device for your cell phone (Oahu drivers only). Police officers are not cutting any slack as the date for the ban has been announced months in advance, as well as freeway signs giving fair warning. You will only be allowed to have your phone in hand to make calls to 911. Having your phone in hand at a stop light, texting, and even pressing the button to answer are all included in this ban. However, a “handsfree device” does not necessarily have to be a Bluetooth wireless headset. There are cheap, even universal, wired headsets for a much cheaper price than a Bluetooth one. Also keep in mind that this ban includes electronic devices such as MP3 players or portable gaming devices. The ban only affects the driver though, so passengers, you might find yourself texting or choosing a song from an MP3 player and saving your friend a ticket in return for the ride!

Some Q & A courtesy of Honolulu Star Bulletin:

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