‘Maria, put down the cell phone’
October 15, 2009 by Fred HosierPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Transportation safety, cell phone and driving
California requires people using a cell phone while driving to use a hands-free device. Now, the state’s governor has had to tell his wife that the law applies to her, too.
Celebrity Web site TMZ.com posted two photographs and a video showing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife, Maria Shriver, driving a large SUV while holding a cell phone.
On his Twitter feed, Schwarzenegger wrote to TMZ, “Thanks for bringing her violations to my attention. There’s going to be swift action.”
The governor’s office clarified that “swift action” meant he’ll ask his wife not to hold the phone while driving.
Schwarzenegger signed a law that took effect in July 2008 that requires California drivers to use a hands-free device when talking on cell phones in vehicles.
Since then, the California Highway Patrol has issued more than 150,000 citations. That doesn’t include tickets from local police departments.
If she’d been caught by police, Shriver would have owed about $300 for two violations.
Schwarzenegger has praised the cell phone law, saying he warned his teenage daughter that if she ever violated it, “she’ll be taking the bus.”
Schwarzenegger’s restatement of support for the law comes within a week of President Obama’s signing of an Executive Order prohibiting federal employees from using hand-held electronic devices while driving on the job.
Let us know what you think in the Comments Box below.
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Tags: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, hands-free device, Maria Shriver, using cell phone while driving

October 19th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
She should take a bus too!! or donate the fine $$ to a charity.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
As a Corporte Safety Manager I think all cell phone should be banned while driving
October 19th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
SHE can’t afford a hands-free device? She should be ticketed (as if caught on a speedcam or redlight cam) and taken to court, like any other California citizen.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Isn’t that Wonderful..!…Thanks Governor Schwarzenegger!
November 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I live in Pennsylvania. I’m a truck driver. What is the difference between talking on a CB radio or a cell phone? I drive in the state of New York, where hand held cell phone use is against the law. I just don’t talk on my cell durring the daylight hours when I’m in New York. I can do two things at the same time. I eat & drive at the same time, I talk on a CB radio & drive at the same time, why can’t I talk on a hand held cell phone & drive? If talking & driving are such a bad thing, why is the “hands free” devise such a great thing? If you can’t drive & talk, you should stay home & wait for the call.WS