Thursday, October 15, 2009

Maria Shriver apologizes on violating cell phone ban

ABC News:

On Wednesday Shriver released a statement apologizing for the behavior and saying that she will donate the old cell phone seen in the photographs to charity.

"That's my version of swift action with a higher purpose," Shriver said.

Earlier Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear explained earlier that by "swift action," the governor means he'll ask his wife not to hold the phone while driving, but there could be monetary consequences as well.

Schwarzenegger signed a law last year requiring California drivers to use a hands-free device when talking on cell phones. Since then, the California Highway Patrol has issued more than 150,000 citations, according to The Associated Press. That figure does not include citations issued by local police.

State fines for driving while using a hand-held device are $20 for the first ticket and $50 for subsequent tickets, plus additional fees.

In Los Angeles County, where Brentwood is located, the fines are $93 for the first ticket and $201 for the next one, meaning Shriver could have owed at least $300 in fines and court fees had she been caught by police.

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