California already has a hands-free law that prohibits people from driving with a cell phone and not using the hands-free option. Drivers found violating the law are fined. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the punishment for violating this law will be changed this year…
Using a cell phone in a handheld manner while driving is currently punishable by a fine. Beginning July 1, this new law will levy an additional penalty on a driver found in violation of California’s hands-free law: a point will be added on to a driver’s record for each hands-free violation occurring within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense. This applies to the violations of talking or texting while driving (except for hands-free use) and to any use of these devices while driving by a person under 18 years of age.
