California Vehicle Code changes taking effect on 7/1/08 next week

[FiringLion]

Originally Posted by WKC

... chicken band radio.

Have not seen that term before, so I get to ask (just once): the other, other white meat?

[WKC]

Originally Posted by FiringLion

Have not seen that term before, so I get to ask (just once): the other, other white meat?

This thread can go to all sorts of directions from here.

[Gladiator]

From the CHP:

http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/media/cell_phone_faq.pdf

[Harry Carry]

Copy of e-mail reply to inquiry forwarded by ARRL (American Radio Relay League):

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL E-MAIL
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 07:48:20 -0700
From: Fran Clader <FClader@chp.ca.gov>
Subject: Re: New Cell Phone Laws - July 1, 2008
The new cell phone laws involve only wireless telephones.
They do not concern radios such as your (Amateur Radios),
unless they are also wireless telephones.
Again, the law only applies to wireless telephones.
Thanks for your inquiry. If you have any further questions, please
give us a call. Or, you can call your local San Diego area CHP
office.
Fran Clader
Commander
Office of Media Relations
California Highway Patrol
(916) 657-7202

[WKC]

What if you use your ham radio to auto-patch into a repeater to make a phone call? Are you in violation?

[Quietpi]

Originally Posted by FiringLion

Have not seen that term before, so I get to ask (just once): the other, other white meat?

I learned it when I was first licensed, in the early '60's. That was before the big CB radio explosion -- "Smokey & the Bandit," "10-4, Good Buddy," etc. 'Twas because said practitioners weren't brave or motivated enough to go for their amateur license. Definitely not P.C. today…

[Old Fart]

Originally Posted by G30 Steve

You amateur radio guys be careful out there. The CHP may cite you unless you fall under one of the exceptions listed in CVC 23123(e)

http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/media/cell_phone_faq.pdf

Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.

That section was specifically written to address the NexTel (or more properly NextYell) folks. The only time in 22 years I've ever had a LEO take any interest in my ham activities is when I used to use a headset with a boom mike in the Jeep. I only had one ear covered - but it was the "outside" ear (I think he really wanted to just look at the jeep)

Now the guy on the airfield at work (LAX) the other week, that was chatting on NexTel and almost became "jetprop sushi" - he was another story...