Handheld cell phone use and texting is banned for all California drivers. All cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) is banned for California bus drivers and for novice drivers.
Cell Phone Use
All California drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones while driving. Novice drivers in California - drivers younger than 18 – are prohibited from all cell phone use.
If handheld cell phones are prohibited, then what’s permissible? Here are the common options:
- abstinence (don't use a cell phone while driving)
- speaker phone
- use a bluetooth wireless device
- use a wired headset
- install a car kit
Texting
All California drivers are prohibited from texting.
Bus Drivers
All California bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones and from texting.
How is it Enforced?
The new California driving law imposes a fine of $20 for a first-time offense and a $50 fine for each additional offense. The law allows exceptions for calls to law enforcement agencies for emergency purposes, or emergency services personnel while operating an authorized emergency vehicle. In addition to these exceptions, commercial truck drivers, tow truck drivers and operators of farming vehicles are also exempt.
California’s handheld cell phone and texting laws are considered “primary” laws, as is the ban on all cell phones for bus drivers. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. California’s ban on all cell phone use for novice drivers is considered a secondary law. A secondary law refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation – for example, a novice driver ran a stop light while on a wired cell phone.
Read more about California’s distracted driving laws.
California Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines
