California?s law requiring the use of hands-free cell phones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. While the California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act, California Vehicle Code Section 23123, has a few exceptions and imposes seemingly small fines for anyone caught driving and improperly using a cell phone, all employers should nevertheless review their existing cell phone usage policy and/or implement an appropriate policy. Employers that require or are aware that their employees utilize cell phones to conduct their business will become subject to special scrutiny if their employees are involved in motor vehicle accidents while talking on a cell phone in violation of this new statute.

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