To view the new law pertaining to the use of cell phone and other devices, click on the link below. You will find
FAQ's as well as a video concerning the new law.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htmBelow are the two Vehicle Code sections;
23123. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle
while using a
wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and
configured to allow hands-free
listening and talking, and is used in
that manner while driving.
(b) A violation of this section is
an infraction punishable by a
base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty
dollars ($50) for
each subsequent offense.
(c) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless
telephone for
emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an
emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider,
fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
(d) This section does not apply to an emergency
services
professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized
emergency vehicle, as defined in
Section 165, in the course and
scope of his or her duties.
(e) This section does not apply to a person
driving a schoolbus or
transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.
(f) This section does not
apply to a person while driving a motor
vehicle on private property.
(g) This section shall become
operative on July 1, 2011.
23124. (a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18
years.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 23123, a person described in
subdivision (a) shall not drive a
motor vehicle while using a
wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or
while using a mobile
service device.
(c) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a
base fine of twenty
dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty
dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
(d) A law enforcement
officer shall not stop a vehicle for the
sole purpose of determining whether the driver is violating
subdivision
(b).
(e) Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a law enforcement officer
from stopping a vehicle for a
violation of Section 23123.
(f) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless
telephone
or a mobile service device for emergency purposes,
including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement
agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency
services agency or entity.
(g)
For the purposes of this section, "mobile service device"
includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal
communication
device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop
computer with mobile data access,
pager, and two-way messaging
device.
(h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.