Get a ticket, get a free gadget

Break the law, get a free headset?

It might sound a little odd, but online retailer Headsets.com has decided to make that idea the focus of a new marketing and educational campaign related to the new hands-free legislation that takes hold Tuesday in California and Washington.

In effect, if you get ticketed for talking on your cell phone without a headset while driving, pony up the $20 or $50 (depending on how many times you've been caught), then send documentation of your offense to Headsets.com.

A ticket could lead to a free Plantronics 925 headset.

(Credit: Plantronics)

The most surprising part? You'll be making a hefty profit by breaking the law. According to CEO Mike Faith, Headsets.com will, for a limited time at least, give away the Plantronics Discovery 925, which retails at $149.99.

"Some people might not be able to afford to upgrade to a headset, and we're not going to give them a low-end one," Faith said.

According to Faith, the objective is not to have people deliberately break the law to get a free, expensive headset, though it's unclear how the company will be able to determine who is going that route.

The other goal of the campaign is to draw attention to the law itself, Faith said, in hopes that most people will buy a headset instead of continuing to drive with one hand.

"Our goal is to get people to think about it," Faith said. "They really shouldn't be talking on the phone while driving and (should) start using two hands."

If you do happen to break the law, which CNET News.com does not suggest, the hotline 1-800-headsets or the Headsets.com Web site can start you on the path to a new headset.

[theonlybuster]

That is awesome. I was waiting for something stupid like this. The only downside is that I believe getting a ticket for talking on a cell phone will get you points on your driving record, and of course to remove those you either have to go to court (which you'll probably lose) OR go back to that driving class and spend the one-hundred-some-odd dollars to pay for it. There's also that increase in insurance for getting a citation.
But hey, then again it's your choice.

[bobcode]

Murphy's Law; I'd get the ticket for speed, and only a warning for not using an earpiece.

I'd still use on hand to make sure the earpiece doesn't fall out on sharp turns.

[alegr]

A ticket for phone talking is not "moving offence" in California and won't add to your points. Same as seat belt violation. BUT, if you'll get into an accident, and it will be proven that you were talking on the phone, that will be considered negligence and might affect your liability greatly.

[alegr]

A ticket for phone talking is not "moving offence" in California and won't add to your points. Same as seat belt violation. BUT, if you'll get into an accident, and it will be proven that you were talking on the phone, that will be considered negligence and might affect your liability greatly.

[indy2001]

Stupid idea. Obviously the folks at Headsets.com need to think about the larger impact of their promotions. Maybe the folks at Petty Driving School could offer free trips around the Indianapolis or Daytona speedways for people who've received a speeding ticket! Or people who've been shot could get a free gun from any of the gun companies! And if I murder someone, perhaps a local mortuary would offer me a free burial when I die!

[ajtrek]

O.K. we all know, or should know, that this is a "Loss Leader" (for a time) to get a person to consider purchasing other merchandise from a so-called "socially conscience" retailer. As to how long Headsets.com can afford to do this promotion remains to be seen. However, a more prudent approach (in my opinion) would be to offer 25%, 50% or 75% off, or match the cost of the ticket, rather than just give them away. I think it sends a better corporate message that says Headsets.com doesn't condone breaking the law. But, if one suffers a lapse of memory (tongue-in-cheek) and forgets to purchase a headset or the one they currently own just doesn't work and that individual is unfortunate enough to get ticketed, then Headsets.com has a way to HELP that person become compliant.

[solver7]

Maybe offerring a basic heaset makes more sense. This offer for a top-of-the-line headset seems like it would be rewarding people for breaking the law..... A basic headset helps out those who break the law out of financial difficulty without offering a reward for an intentional violation.

[bfsf]

News Flash...a ticket for this in Washington is $124...not the $20 - $50 you quote. Hardly worth it in any case.

[Benf]

Actualy the $20.00 ticket works out to be about $76.00 for the first offense including court costs and all, second offence puts points on your License but not the first offense, the second offense is doubled as well

[kirk8357]

This law is a blatant extortion by the state of California to increase revenue. Statistics show that using a headset offers little improvement in accident rates, AND it's still legal to TEXT WHILE DRIVING. How stupid is that? I bet some insurance company lobbyist, some DMV officials, and some CHIP's got together and came up with this ruse to squeeze another dime out of the middle class.

[ericwb123456343]

My problem I cannot stand earpieces and you seem forced to use one.

Having to deal with the law, even though you don't like it that much can be expensive, because you have to try all these different devices to see if one will work. But I found you don't have to buy an expensive headset. I found this little Talknbluetooth device for $59 to even work better and it is a lot less. I personally cannot stand the law and a headset. It simply bothers my ear. If you are interested the site is http://www.talknbluetooth.com. They also have a lot of information about the new California laws. Well at least they are not banning driving because it is dangerous. I like my car and my phone. They come in handy!

[Benf]

Stupid comment indy2001, whats your point?

[dennisjaylon]

this is really great, if you find out good headsets so visit this site http://www.cordless-phones.uk.com/headsets/