What is the law for texting and driving in California?

California’s distracted driving law prohibits all use of a handheld wireless device while driving unless the motorist operates a device in voice-operated, hands-free mode. So the law bans not only text messaging but also using other features of cellphones and tablets such as web browsers and GPS while at the wheel.

What is California law on cell phone use while driving?

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and …

What is the cell phone texting law?

In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

What are texting laws?

Beginning in July 2008, cellular phone use was restricted to hands free for drivers 18 years and older and prohibited for drivers under 18 years of age. As of January 1, 2009 all drivers are prohibited from texting while driving a vehicle.

Why have most states passed a ban on texting while driving?

States primarily use hand-held and texting bans to combat distracted driving. Hand-held bans are laws that allow the use of mobile devices while driving only in hands-free mode—usually through voice communication or by activating with a single tap or swipe.

Can you text and drive?

Texting and driving is banned in most states. In 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is illegal for any driver to text and drive.

What states have texting while driving laws?

The states that currently have a prohibition on texting while driving are as follows:

• Alabama.
• Alaska.
• Arkansas (except in emergencies)
• California.
• Colorado.
• Connecticut.
• Delaware.
• D.C.

How many states have laws restricting texting and driving?

48 states
Text Messaging: Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Currently, 48 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers.

Do all states have laws against texting and driving?

Texting is banned for all drivers in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have phone use bans specifically targeting young drivers.

In what states is it illegal to text while driving?

Text Messaging: Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Currently, 48 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers.

What are the texting while driving laws?

Texting while driving laws prohibit the use of electronic devices to write, send or read messages while driving. In addition to text messages sent by mobile phones, these laws typically prohibit writing, sending or reading similar types of messages — such as emails, instant messages or other Internet-based messages — while driving.

Can You text on a wireless device while driving in California?

Texting and Other Uses of Wireless Devices. California’s distracted driving law prohibits all use of a handheld wireless device while driving unless the motorist operates a device in voice-operated, hands-free mode.

Can You text and drive in a school zone?

Some states without text message bans for all drivers have banned texting while driving by school bus drivers, public transit drivers, and drivers in school zones. As these laws vary greatly from state to state, be sure to consult your state’s texting while driving laws.

What are the penalties for cellphone use while driving in California?

Unlawful use of a cellphone while driving is an infraction in California. A first offense results in a $20 base fine, and for a second or subsequent offense, the base fine is $50.