P.L. 31-194
ADVISORY ON THE NEW LAW RESTRICTING THE USE OF CELLPHONES WHILE DRIVING
A quick guide on Public Law 31-194, and how it affects you.
Please be advised that Public Law 31-194 has been passed and is now in effect. This new law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving. This ban applies to both texting and calling, as well as to playing games, internet surfing and accessing of social media. We have reproduced the pertinent sections of the new law in the next page for your reference.
In the interest of public safety, and to express our concern for our loyal subscribers, we urge you to take this new law to heart. If you must make or take a call while driving, please use a hands-free kit so that your attention may stay focused on the road even as you engage in a conversation.
To support this new law, we are offering discounted prices on our hands-free kits (please see back panel). There should be one that will fit whatever phone model you may be using.
Additionally, we are pleased to announce that our Push-to-Talk (PTT) service is exempted from the ban imposed by this new law, as the use of two-way radios (also known as “half-duplex technology”) is not restricted under the new law. If you are not using our PTT service, please give it some thought. It remains the fastest and most reliable means of establishing an instant connection when you need it most.
Restrictions on the Use of Mobile phones While Driving
It is unlawful for a person to read, write or send out electronic messages, or use or be holding, a mobile phone or similar electronic communications device while driving a vehicle.
Exemptions
The restriction set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to voice communications being made under the following circumstances:
1. Emergency Calls. The driver is making an emergency call to law enforcement officials or other public emergency response services.
2. Voice communications required for commercial transport operations (this exemption is valid only for 30 days after the law takes effect).
3. Hands-free. The driver is using a mobile phone that is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, through the use of Bluetooth, hard-wired, or similar technology, and is used only in such hands-free manner while driving.
4. Licensed Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)
5. CB Radio and Similar devices. The driver is using a “half-duplex” only device. Such device shall not have the ability to also conduct “full-duplex” communication.
Half-duplex means the ability for two or more electronic devices to communicate with each other, but in only one direction at a time (not simultaneously), and inclusive of simplex technology; provided, that such technology permits for only voice communication in one (1) direction at a time.
For more information on the new law, please visit: