California's New Cell Phone Law

New Cell Phone Laws Taking Effect July 1

Teens Have To Hang Up; Adults Must Be “Hands-Free”

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today issued an important reminder to all motorists that two new restrictions on the use of cellular phones while driving go into effect on July 1. The first law prohibits anyone from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle on California roadways. Operators of vehicles requiring a Class “A” or Class “B” driver’s license, such as large trucks, can use a push-to-talk device such as a Nextel through 2010.

“We know that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted-driving accidents. Getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels will save lives and make California’s roads safer,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger.

The second law going into effect July 1 prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving. Cell phones can continue to be used by those 18 and older if they have either a wireless or hard-wired head set in one ear.

“New, inexperienced drivers need to focus their full attention on operating a vehicle and not be distracted by phone calls,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Violations carry a minimum base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. When court costs and other fees are added to the fines, they often double or even triple the amount of the base fine. There will be no grace period to avoid penalties under these new laws and officers can begin issuing citations July 1.

According to CHP statistics, 1,091 crashes in 2007 were blamed on drivers using hand-held cell phones. A total of 447 people were injured in those crashes.

For more information about the new cell phone laws, including a list of frequently asked questions in English and Spanish, please visit the CHP’s website at www.chp.ca.gov.