Talk to a Lawyer
Enter a zip code to speak to a Lawyer that serves your area.

Select the type of Lawyer you need
California Teen Cell Phone Law: California Senate Bill 33
2010 Legislative Update
California Senate Bill 1475 - New Legislation is now being considered in California that would increase the fines for both Cell Phone Use and Text Messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
If the bill is passed into law, it would also extend to bicyclists and add one Point to your driving record.
More information is available on our Legislative Blog, or you can read the bill for yourself at California Senate Bill 1475
Senate Bill 33 - The Teen Driver Cell Phone Ban
Senate Bill 33, introduced by Senator S. Joseph Simitian prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or any mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.
This new California driving law does not include allowances for hands-free devices.
This law takes effect the same day as the other California law (SB1613) July 1st, 2008.
Simitian cites the National Safety council's statistics that show vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teenager fatalities and account for about 44% of teen deaths in the United States.
The Real Bill
To read the legislation for Senate Bill No. 33 please visit the following WEBSITE.
State of California Driving Law Information
California Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines
California Hands Free Driving Law
Teen Driving Laws in California
In addition the California Highway Patrol has collected data that show using cellular phones while driving is now the number one source of "driver distraction" accidents in the state of California.
The statistics are clear when it comes to teen driving while using a wireless device.
Teen drivers have less experience driving, become distracted easily, and have a high rate of "risky" behavior.
Currently, 16 year old drivers have a crash rate ten-times greater than drivers 30-59. These facts underscore the reasons why teen automobile insurance is at an all time high.
Unlike SB1613, the teen driver will not have the option to drive hands-free.
SB33 also includes teens driving with walkie-talkies, laptops, two-way messaging devices, pagers, text-messaging and any mobile service device including remote gaming while driving. Violation of the new California driving law will cost first time offender's $20 and repeat offenders $50.
