No Texting Law in California
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Text Messaging While Driving Prohibited in California
NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING LAW in California
*Text Messaging (SB 28/Simitian) This new law makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, while driving.
Now that 42,000 people have been busted using their hand-held cell phones while in their car, here comes another part to that law.
Don't get caught trying to steal a peek at your device to check messages. If you get caught, ticket. How much? Same as for the cell phone law: $20 for the first violation, $50 for subsequent offenses. But additional penalty assessments from cities, counties and courts can multiply that fine by a factor of three to five.
The good news: No points are charged against the driver's license for the violation. The law does allows folks, wearing headsets, to enter, look up and read phone numbers from their phones.
Don't try to be sly. If you are behind the wheel, you're driving. So, if you are stopped at a light, texting is illegal. If you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic- illegal to text. Rule of thumb(s)-don't text.
If you have to text, pull over (not on freeway) to a safe place. You'll be okay and within your rights.
The law exempts passengers but ALL visitors are required to abide by all laws of the road.
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