Is Texting While Driving Illegal In California

Reader’s Question:

I am new driver and my mom told me to keep a clean driving record at all times or else her car insurance premium in California will go up beyond my imagination. I am under her auto insurance policy. My problem is that I am a cell phone addict. I text my friends all the time – from the time I wake up, whenever I eat, in school, before I sleep or even when I drive. I just want to know, is texting while driving a traffic violation?

Lisa

San Jose, CA

This is a very timely question.

Beginning January 1, 2009, the No-Text Law will go in effect in your home state – California. This law prohibits any drivers to use their mobile phones for texting while driving. This law prohibits using your cell phone to read and receive: text messages, emails, and instant messages. And you must remember this law is state wide. This means, no matter which city or county in California you are a driving, you must follow this law all the time.

Violating the No-Text Law this law means paying a base fine of $20, if you are a first-time offender and $50 for succeeding offense.

Your mom is correct when she told you that maintaining a clean driving record is one sure way of avoiding an increased on her car insurance premium. So I would suggest that starting as early as now, you must practice not using your cell phone while driving. For more information about the no-text law, check with California Department of Motor Vehicles.