Key Dates

• September 15, 2006 -- California becomes the fourth state to ban motorists from using handheld wireless phones while driving.  Under the law, which will take effect in July 2008, Californians risk a minimum $20 fine unless they are using a headset, a speakerphone, an earbud or other technology that keeps both hands free.
• October 1, 2005 -- Connecticut enacts a statewide law calling for the use of hands-free devices when talking on wireless phones while driving. Connecticut is the third state to institute a ban of handheld wireless phones while driving.
• July 1, 2004 -- New Jersey becomes the second state to institute a statewide ban of the use of handheld wireless phones while driving. Verizon Wireless is widely recognized as supporting the legislation.
• July 1, 2004 -- Washington DC's hands-free law goes into effect, requiring drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on their wireless phones. Verizon Wireless encourages consumers to take steps to comply with the new law.
• March 3, 2003 -- During a news conference in California held by State Assemblyman Joseph Simitian, Verizon Wireless pledges its support for his proposed bill on the use of hand held cellular phones in automobiles.
• February 13, 2003 -- Verizon Wireless announces the availability of another driving responsibility resource - a brochure on how to drive responsibly while using a wireless phone. Included in the brochure are tips on minimizing distractions in the car, including using a hands-free device while driving and talking.
• December 4, 2002 -- Verizon Wireless announces it is collaborating with the Georgia State Patrol's Safety Education Division to promote safer and more responsible driving. As part of the partnership, the company is providing the Georgia State Patrol's Safety Education Division with its vIQ^® instructional video to educate new drivers about the importance of responsible driving.
• May 17, 2002 -- Verizon Wireless announces the first vIQ-vehicle Intelligence Quest-milestone. Since the launch in September 2001, the educational curriculum to teach new drivers about wireless safety behind the wheel was viewed by approximately 800,000 students across the country for the school year 2001-2002.
• March 1, 2002 -- New York State's hands-free legislation waiver period, which began last November, officially ends. Motorists who hold wireless phones to their ears while driving will face fines $100. Verizon Wireless reminds all wireless phone users to take steps to comply the law.
• November 1, 2001 -- New York´s statewide law, requiring people to use hands-free devices while talking on their wireless phone, goes into effect.
• October 4, 2001 -- Verizon Wireless introduces vIQ-vehicle Intelligence Quest-an instructional program that includes a video and Educator´s Guide, for use in driver education curricula, to educate new drivers about the importance of responsible driving.
• June 26, 2001 -- With the support of one wireless carrier, Verizon Wireless, New York becomes the first U.S. state to adopt legislation requiring the use of hands-free devices while driving and using a wireless phone.
• April 3, 2001 -- Verizon Wireless announces support of statewide legislation in New York requiring wireless customers to use hands-free devices while driving.
• March 15, 2001 -- Verizon Wireless announces support of hands-free legislation in Rhode Island to promote responsible use of wireless phones while driving.
• October 26, 2000 -- Verizon Wireless underscores its commitment to educating consumers on the responsible in-vehicle use of wireless phones with a new campaign that urges users to "Drive responsibly. Call with care."
• October 11, 2000 -- Verizon Wireless announces support of statewide legislation in Massachusetts requiring wireless customers to use hands-free devices while driving.
• September 25, 2000 -- In Illinois, Verizon Wireless makes history by becoming the first wireless carrier to support statewide legislation requiring wireless customers to use hands-free devices, such as headsets, while driving.
• June 30, 2000 -- Bell Atlantic and GTE merge, creating Verizon Communications. The addition of GTE wireless assets make Verizon Wireless the nation´s largest wireless communications provider.
• May 23, 2000 -- With National Wireless Safety Week as a backdrop, Verizon Wireless renews its commitment to responsible driving throughout the country. For example, in Kansas, the company launches a driving safety program aimed at teaching high school students the responsible in-vehicle use of wireless phones.
• May 22, 2000 -- The company rolls out price reductions throughout the U.S. on four high-quality, affordable "universal" headsets, two of which are priced at under $20. If purchased through the Verizon Wireless Online Store, shipping charges are free.
• May 19, 2000 -- The company announces a business commitment requiring its handset manufacturers to produce wireless phones with voice-activated dialing and two-way speakerphone capabilities by 2002.
• April 4, 2000 -- Day One for the new coast-to-coast wireless venture, called Verizon Wireless.
• April 3, 2000 -- Bell Atlantic and Vodafone AirTouch Plc sign a definitive agreement forming the new national wireless business by combining the domestic U.S. operations of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Communications and PrimeCo Personal Communications LP. The companies anticipate the new operation will be strengthened by the addition of GTE´s domestic wireless properties, as part of the pending Bell Atlantic/GTE merger.