Dropped Calls: California Readies Cell Phone Ban

Hang Up and Drive: California in July joins Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington and the District of Columbia as localities placing strict restrictions on use of hand-held cell phones by motorists. The California law takes effect July 1, with potential ramifications for companies with mobile workforces. The California Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are urging employers to update their policies, including explicit bans on use of hand-held devices by employees and/or purchasing hands-free headsets they can use while driving on business. Companies also are being advised not to require employees to be available to answer cell phones while they are driving. Legal experts say companies face potential liability issues for failure to adequately inform employees about the state-imposed ban. Unresolved is the issue of dialing, sending text messages or reading e-mail while driving. Because the law is unclear, companies may be exposed to liability, says the California Chamber of Commerce, which is sending out communiqués to remind its members about the statute.