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UC DAVIS: VICE CHANCELLOR - ADMINISTRATION June 9, 2008 DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS RE: WIRELESS TELEPHONE LAWS AND UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF HANDS-FREE DEVICES California’s new Wireless Telephone Laws go into effect on July 1, 2008. The new law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. The law exempts emergency personnel as well as any emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency. Under the state law, motorists over the age of 18 are permitted to use a hands-free device while operating their personal vehicle. However, University of California Guidelines for the Purchase and Use of Cellular Phones and Other Portable Electronic Resources prohibit the use of any wireless device while driving, whether handheld or hands-free. The University guidelines state that employees are “expected to avoid using a cellular phone or any other type of electronic communications equipment under any circumstances where such use might create or appear to create a hazard, including use while operating a motor vehicle.” This policy is to be interpreted as follows: -- University-provided phones are not to be used while operating any motor vehicle at any time, including your personal vehicle. This includes hands-free phone devices. -- Personal phones are not to be used while operating a university-owned vehicle. This includes hands-free phone devices. -- Campus emergency personnel are exempt from this policy, and any University employee may use a cell phone in an emergency as described above. Although it is not specified in either the state law or the University guidelines, please refrain from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. The Office of the President is updating the Guidelines to specifically reflect these positions. In accordance with University guidelines, campus departments need not provide hands-free devices for the use of university-issued cell phones in motor vehicles. Thank you for observing these guidelines and for your contributions in support of a culture of safety within our organization. Additional information is available as follows: FAQs about the new law from the California Highway Patrol: http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/media/cell_phone_faq.pdf University of California Guidelines for the Purchase and Use of Cellular Phones and Other Portable Electronic Resources: http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/policies/bfb/g46.pdf Feedback and questions: http://vcadmin.ucdavis.edu/feedback Stan Nosek Vice Chancellor – Administration O8-044
 Office of the Chancellor | Contact Information | Current Issues | Speaking Out | Staff and Organization | Philosophy of Purpose | Principles of Community | Administrative Resources Modified: 04/23/2009 05:01:27 PM Comments: |
