Cellular Telephone and Driving Safety
New Law in California, Effective 1 July 2008

• Prohibit the use of "hand-held" cell phones among drivers 18 years and older, except for emergency calls to law enforcement and public safety agencies, and for certain commercial vehicles for which the law's effective date is 1 July 2011.
• Prohibit a driver under the age of 18 years from using ANY wireless device, even if equipped with a hands-free or mobile service device-with the exception of during an emergency.

Violating this law includes a base fine of $20.00 for a first offense and $50.00 for each subsequent offense.

While California Law will soon make it illegal for drivers 18 years and older to use a hand-held device while driving, drivers can still use an earpiece, headset, speaker phone, or Bluetooth device. However it is your responsibility as a driver to understand that talking on a cell phone, talking to passengers, eating, changing compact discs/radio stations, or using on-board navigation systems while driving significantly reduces your reaction time, decision making, and ability to control speed, throttle control and position on the road. This increases the risk for serious injury or death. For these reasons, the new California Law also makes it illegal for drivers younger than 18 years of age to use any wireless hand-held or hands-free device, except for emergencies.

For more information, please print and review the attached PDF:

Cell Phones & Driving Safety, New California Law Effective 1 July 2008.

Additional helpful links

California DMV Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs: www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm