Photo: Allan Ferguson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The start of the school year puts more teenage drivers, buses, cyclists and pedestrians on San Diego County roads at the same time. It is a good moment for families to review California’s rules on phones and driving, which are among the strictest in the country.
Hands off the phone
Under California Vehicle Code section 23123.5, drivers may not hold or operate a phone or other wireless device while driving. Since 2017, that covers any use, including looking up directions or scrolling music. A phone may be used hands-free if it is mounted on the windshield or dashboard in a way that does not block the driver’s view, and touched only with a single swipe or tap to activate or deactivate a feature.
Stricter rules for drivers under 18
Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free (Vehicle Code section 23124), except to call for help in an emergency.
Points on your record
Base fines are modest, but court fees raise the total cost considerably. Since July 1, 2021, a handheld phone violation within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense adds a point to a driver’s record, which can affect insurance rates.
The talk
- Agree that phones go in a bag, glove box or “do not disturb while driving” mode.
- Set the navigation before pulling out.
- Model the behavior: teens notice what adults do.
- Watch for school zones, where the speed limit is typically 25 mph when children are present.
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