California has bans on cell phone usage for all drivers under 18, and adult drivers must use a hands-free device. Furthermore, texting has been prohibited for all drivers in the state. A driver can be pulled over for using a cell phone while driving, and there is a $20 fine for the first offense.
THE LAW
SB 1613 (Simitian) Chapter 290, Statutes of 2006, which took effect on July 1, 2008, makes it an infraction for any person to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.By prohibiting a person from driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, this bill goes one step further.
THE RESULTS
The highway patrol gave out 101,676 citations between July 1 and the end of May, according to statistics provided by the agency.
