Recent accusations against the Calaveras County Sheriff department and the use of hand held cell phones raises questions among California drivers. What is the law on cell phone use, who does it effect and what does it mean to me?Current California law states "a person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."
Current prohibitions:
- Adult drivers (18 and older) banned from using cell phones unless they employ hands-free devices.
- Drivers may not use wireless devices to “to write, send, or read a text-based communication” — as in text messaging.
- Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free accessories.
- School bus operators and transit bus drivers prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Cell phone and text-messaging fines: First offense $20. Other convictions, $50. “With court costs and penalties, the true costs of those tickets are $76 and $190, respectively,” the Los Angeles Times reports.Distracted driving legislation (filed in 2012): Recently introduced Senate Bill 1310 : Would increase fines for using handheld cell phones or text messaging while driving in California to $30 (first offense) and then $60. (Current fines are $20/$50.) Would mandate a drivers license point for each offense following the first.
Calfornia distracted driving news: Just a month ago law agencies across California gave out nearly 57,000 electronic distracted driving tickets. Another 3,800 were written for general distracted driving, the Office of Traffic Safety reported May 16. The CHP and 265 local law enforcement agencies conducted the crackdown as part of Distracted Driving Month.
View the California text messaging law | cell phone law | teen wireless device law
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