Just in case you’ve seen it stated otherwise on social media, the truth is there has been no change this year to the California Distracted Driving laws. California laws currently prohibit the use of cell phones while driving unless in hands-free mode or for reporting an emergency, and the only exception is when you happen to be on private property.
California Vehicle Code, Division 11: Rules of the Road, Chapter 12: Public Offenses, Article 1: Driving Offenses; Sections 23123 – 23125 covers the usage of mobile phones while driving. By definition the law clearly states a hands-free system must be mounted on a windshield or dashboard in such a way as it does not hinder the driver’s view of the road and the driver should be able to activate or deactivate it by use of their hand with a single tap or swipe.
3 Main Points of the Distracted Driving Law:
- California drivers are not allowed to use their cell phones for making calls, reading, or writing text messages while driving on public roadways.
- If driver’s have a hands-free system installed, they may use their cell phones for calling or texting.
- Even with a hands-free system installed, all drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Typical car phone mounts run anywhere from $15-30 which when compared to the cost of a ticket is fairly inexpensive. Per the California Vehicle Code 23123(b), an infraction is punishable by a base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Additionally, you can expect to pay fines for penalty assessment, increasing your total fines from $60 – $150.
It’s an obvious fact that use of a cell phone while driving is a considerable distraction which should be avoided in favor of safety at all times. Use of a Bluetooth or hands-free device is always the safer choice.