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EMERGENCY: DIAL 9-1-1
2401 Crow Canyon Rd
San Ramon
CA
Business Phone(925) 973-2700
Fax(925) 838-2925

Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions. To view the answer, please click on the question. If the information provided does not answer your question, please go to our Citizen's Request Management (CRM) page by clicking here and select the appropriate topic. Your request will be handled by the appropriate staff member.

Click on any question to read the corresponding answer:


What are the cellular phone laws?

Vehicle Code (VC) §23123
Prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle.

Vehicle Code (VC) §23124
Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle .

Vehicle Code (VC) §23123.5
Writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication while driving will be against the law for all drivers in California.

What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency and I do not have a hands-free device?

The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

What are the fines if I'm convicted?

Contact Walnut Creek Traffic Court at (925) 608-1000 for further information due to fines vary and are set by the court.

Will I receive a point on my driver license if I'm convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?

No. The violation is a reportable offense. However, DMV will not assign a violation point.

Will the conviction appear on my driving record?

Yes, but the violation point will not be added.

Are passengers affected by this law?

No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.

Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?

Yes.

Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?

Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.

What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?

No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature.

What other exceptions are there?

Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.

Does the "hands-free" law allow drivers to text while driving?

No. This law applies to electronic wireless communications devices used to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. Violating this law is punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. With the addition of penalty assessments, fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.

DRIVERS 18 AND OVER - Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.

Does the “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?

The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.

Will it be legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?

Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.

Does the new “hands-free” law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?

Yes.

DRIVERS UNDER 18

Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?

No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free. EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities (VC §23124).

Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?

Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.

Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?

No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.

Does the law apply to me if I'm an emancipated minor?

Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.

If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?

No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.

Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?

No.

May I use the “hands-free” feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?

No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.

Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?

No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.