New regulations prohibiting drivers in California from talking on their mobile phones while driving took effect yesterday. Adult drivers will still be allowed to be on their phones if they use hands-free devices, though this exception is withheld from drivers younger than 18. A California Highway Patrol spokesman noted that efforts to publicize the law appeared to have worked, with many motorists spotted using hands-free headsets. It should be noted that certain countries, such as Singapore, have long since prohibited mobile phone use while driving in the absence of hands-free devices. It remains to be seen if other states will follow in enacting similar legislation.

For more on hands-free regulations:
- check out the SFGate article [1]