What are the laws about driving and texting?
In California, it is illegal to text while driving. According to California Vehicle Code § 23123, any driver who is using a cell phone to text while driving is committing a violation of the law. This applies to all forms of texting, including sending messages, reading messages, and even inputting letters, numbers, or symbols on the phone while the car is in motion. The law applies to all drivers, regardless of age. Additionally, it applies to all forms of electronic communication, including text messages, email, instant messaging, and social media. The only exceptions are when the vehicle is stopped and the driver is using a hands-free device, such as Bluetooth. Texting while driving can be extremely dangerous. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, it is 6 times more likely for a car to be involved in a crash if the driver is texting than if the driver is not. Additionally, drivers who are texting become less attentive to the road and can miss important traffic signs, signals, and other vehicles. The penalties for texting and driving in California vary. Generally, a first-time offense is a base fine of $20 and a total fine of up to $150. Subsequent offenses will result in increased fines, and in some cases, drivers may even face jail time. In summary, texting while driving is illegal in California and can result in serious penalties. It is important for drivers to understand the risks associated with texting and driving, and to avoid it at all costs.
Related FAQs
What are the laws about slow driving in fast lanes?What are the laws about playing loud music in a car?
What are the laws about tinted headlights?
What are the laws about tinting front windshields?
What are the laws about off-road vehicles on public roads?
What are the laws about reckless driving?
What are the laws about window tinting on commercial vehicles?
What are the laws about automotive modifications?
What are the laws about rear-facing baby seats?
What are the laws about towing a trailer?
Related Blog Posts
Essential Automobile Law Terms: The Definitions You Need to Know - July 31, 2023The Basics of Automobile Law: Everything You Need to Know - August 7, 2023
How to Read and Interpret Automobile Law Documents - August 14, 2023
Navigating Automobile Law: Understanding the Legal Process - August 21, 2023
Who Is Responsible For Automobile Damage: What You Need to Know - August 28, 2023