California passed a law on July 1st 2008 that makes it illegal for anyone operating a motor vehicle to use a cell phone. There is no grace period, so effective immediately, if you are caught, you will be fined and it will go on your driving record. Here are some details in a flash:

Mini Bluetooth Headset
$19.95

Jawbone Bluetooth Headset, Black
$97.95

• There are actually two laws: one preventing anyone to use a cell phone while driving, and another preventing anyone under 18 years old from using a hands free device with their cell phone.
• Anyone 18 and older will be allowed to use a hands free device with their cell phone while driving
• Emergency calls to any emergency services agency is permitted.
• Fines include $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offence. No points go on your record, but the offence does remain on your record.
• Passengers may still use wireless phones in the car.
• Out of state drivers are subject to the law regardless of whether their state has any such law.
• This is an offense that an officer can pull you over for.
• Push-to-talk features are still subject to this law.

Hands Free Devices

So now that you know the details of the law, you're probably just itching to shop for some hands-free devices. There are several different options.

Headsets

Perhaps one of the most popular wireless headsets out there is the Jawbone. It uses a technology that the US armed forces use in their communications equipment to cut out background noise. The technology had to be good enough to cut out the helicopter noise out of the background, so it will probably be good enough for your daily routine. Plus, the Jawbone just looks good.

If you're going for quality but have a smaller budget, try the Mini Bluetooth Headset. This tiny headset stays well concealed and doesn't stretch out very far past your ear, but we've had little to no complaints from customers about sound quality.

Wireless Speakerphones

Aura Mobile BT Bluetooth Speakerphone
$89.99

VR3 makes some good solutions for integrating your cell phone more completely into your car. Their Bluetooth CD/MP3 Car Stereo syncs with your cell phone via bluetooth. It features a microphone and the call audio is output through the car's speakers. Aside from automatic switching in the event of a call, the stereo system also offers numerous ways to play MP3s in your car, including a 1/8 inch jack, an SD card slot, a USB port, and a CD slot.

If you're not as much into changing out the entire stereo in your car, you can also go with a less involved solution. The Wireless Bluetooth Hands Free Speaker Phone goes in your car and includes a caller ID screen along with a speaker to speak into and hear through.