The California "hands free" cell phone 'laws' take effect today - cagers aren't allowed to use a cell phone unless the driver is using a hands-free device.

Personally, I don't see this as having a major impact on safety. But it certainly will drive sales of Bluetooth and other wireless devices.

Now, if I want to use my cell phone while riding my sportbike through the twisties, I guess I'll have to upgrade to the latest cell phone technology - my old trusty Nokia isn't Bluetooth-compatible.

Nice to see the California legislature has all that time on their hands.