1. What is the legal age to have a cell phone while driving in California?
The legal age to have a cell phone while driving in California is 18 years old. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.
2. Does California have a law prohibiting texting while driving?
Yes, California has a law that prohibits texting while driving.
3. Is it illegal to use a handheld device while driving in California?
Yes, it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving in California.
4. What are the fines for distracted driving in California?
The fines for distracted driving in California can range from $20 for a first offense and up to $50 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the court can assess an additional penalty of up to $200 for each offense.
5. Does California allow hands-free talking on devices while driving?
Yes, California does allow hands-free talking on devices while driving.
6. Does California have a law prohibiting the use of social media while driving?
Yes, California has a law prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, which includes social media. The law is commonly referred to as the “hands-free” law and is outlined in California Vehicle Code 23123.
7. Is it illegal to talk on the phone while driving in California?
Yes, it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving in California. California’s “hands-free” law requires drivers to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets, when talking on the phone while driving.
8. Is it illegal to make phone calls while stopped at a red light in California?
No. There is no specific law in California that prohibits making a phone call while stopped at a red light. However, it is important to note that distracted driving is illegal in California and can result in a traffic ticket.
9. Are there any state laws in California requiring hands-free headsets for drivers?
Yes. California law requires drivers to use hands-free headsets when talking on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. The law prohibits drivers from holding and operating a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. Drivers 18 years or older may use a wireless telephone or hands-free device with an earpiece, headset, or Bluetooth technology if the device does not require the driver to hold it in order to make or receive phone calls.
10. Does California have a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving with a learner’s permit?
Yes, California does have a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving with a learner’s permit. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers with a learner’s permit are prohibited from using any type of handheld device, including cell phones, while operating a motor vehicle.
11. Is it legal to use GPS navigation systems while driving in California?
Yes, it is legal to use GPS navigation systems while driving in California.
12. Does California have a law against any type of driver distraction?
Yes, California does have a law against any type of driver distraction. California Vehicle Code Section 23123 prohibits the use of any handheld electronic device while driving, including texting, or using a device for any other purpose than calling emergency services.
13. Are there any restrictions on phone use in school zones in California?
Yes, there are restrictions on phone use in school zones in California. Drivers may not talk on hand-held cell phones or text while driving in a school zone. Exceptions are made for drivers using hands-free devices. Drivers can talk on hands-free devices, but texting and other manual data entry is still prohibited.
14. Does California have an administrative license suspension for distracted driving violations?
Yes, California does have an administrative license suspension for distracted driving violations. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23103.5, a driver who is involved in an accident while using a handheld device or engaging in any type of distracted driving behavior can face an administrative license suspension for up to a year.
15. Is it illegal to drive without a hands-free device in California?
Yes. It is illegal to talk on a hand-held wireless phone while driving in California. Hands-free devices must be used instead.
16. Does California have an underage cellphone law which prohibits those under 18 from talking on their phones or texting while driving?
Yes, California does have an underage cellphone law which prohibits those under 18 from talking on their phones or texting while driving. The law is commonly referred to as the “California Hands Free Law” and it went into effect in July 2008. The law states that any driver under the age of 18 is not allowed to talk on a cell phone, text, or make any other use of a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
17. Are there any restrictions on eating and drinking while driving in California?
Yes. California has laws regarding consuming food and drinks while driving. For example, eating or drinking beverages while driving is prohibited. Additionally, a driver may not possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage, nor can they have any alcoholic beverage in their body while operating a vehicle.
These restrictions apply to all forms of motorized transportation, with the exception of eating or drinking while operating a bus or taxi.
18. What is the penalty for distracted driving violations in California?
In California, the penalty for a first offense of distracted driving is a base fine of $20-$50, and a total penalty of $70-$100. A second offense within 36 months increases the fine to $50-$100 and the total penalty to $190-$250. A third offense within 36 months increases the total penalty to $280-$350. Additionally, points may be added to your driving record and your insurance rates may increase.
19. Are police officers allowed to pull over drivers for using their cell phones in California?
Yes, police officers are allowed to pull over drivers for using their cell phones in California. Distracted driving is a primary offense, which means that an officer can pull over a driver solely for suspected distracted driving, including using a cell phone.
20. Does California impose any restrictions on children under 18 using their cell phones in the car?
Yes. California Vehicle Code section 27803 states that drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone, or any other type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.