the buzz log

Today is a big day in California and Washington. Drivers who chat on their cell phones must use a handsfree device or speaker phone or they risk facing the wrath of John Q. Law.

The new law is no surprise—drivers have had ample warning, and many have taken the opportunity to acquire (or at least search for) the necessary equipment. Queries for "bluetooth headsets" have soared 2,751% during the past 30 days. Related lookups for "handsfree cell phones" and "mobile headsets" have also surged. Clearly, those who want to (legally) talk while behind the wheel are adapting to the new reality. Darwin would be proud.

We browsed through the Buzz and found a variety of articles on the new law. TechCruch writes that Californians face a $20 fine for their first offense. According to Boing Boing, the fine goes up to $50 for additional infractions. Oh, and California Highway Patrol definitely plans to enforce the rule, so don't test them.

It all sounds resonable, but NPR points out a confusing wrinkle to the new law: Using a cell phone without a handsfree headset is illegal, but there is no such ban on writing text messages while driving. "TTYL. Crashd car into tree. LOL!"