California bans using a cell phone while driving

The state of California has strengthened the cell phone driving laws, ruling that drivers cannot hold their phones for any reason – including using them for navigation.

California, which has been a leader in road safety for many years now, has banned drivers from using their mobile phones while driving.

California’s new interpretation of its existing law was based on a recent ruling by a court of appeals that broadened the definition of illegal cell phone usage while driving. Many drivers thought that the law only covered texting and making phone calls. However, the court clarified now that holding the phone up to view sat-nav instructions is also illegal.

Complete Hands Off Policy

Californian drivers are no longer allowed to:

• Drivers should not hold their phones for any reason while driving
• You can’t look at your phone while driving
• Use handheld navigation devices
• Even briefly pick up your phone

You can still legally use your phone as a driver if you:

• Installing sat-nav devices on dashboard
• Bluetooth speakers and speakers with Bluetooth can be used to use hands-free call
• Operate voice-activated functions without touching the device

Death Statistics Lead to Stricter Enforcement

The court’s ruling comes amid alarming statistics regarding distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for over 3,000 fatalities in the United States alone in 2023.

The court highlighted the damaging impact of even brief phone use. “When sending a message, having your eye off the road for just five seconds to look at your smartphone is like driving a football pitch with your eyes shut while driving at 55mph.”

California Court of Appeals has stated that lawmakers adopted current state law “to reduce distractions resulting from advances in modern phone technology and to encourage motorists to keep their eyes focused on the road.”

Enforcement and Penalties

Drivers found in violation of the new interpretation will face:

• Traffic stops and citations
• The fines for violating cell phone laws
• Drivers with points on their record

California Office of Traffic Safety confirms that law enforcement officials are now authorized to pull drivers over for holding their cellphones while driving. This is regardless of whether the driver is actively using the phone.

National Trend Toward Stricter Road Safety

California’s initiative reflects an overall national trend in which states have implemented tougher measures to improve road safety. Many jurisdictions focus on the two main causes of traffic accidents, distracted driving and excessive speeding.

Recently, other states have introduced:

• Automated red-light and speed cameras
• The penalties for speeding are harsher
• Washington State has speed-limiting devices to reduce the number of repeat offenders.
• Adjusting speed limits in certain areas to reduce dangerous speeds differentials between vehicles

California is experiencing a unique situation, as companies are testing driverless vehicles without any human intervention. The paradox is that human drivers must adhere to ever stricter rules regarding phone usage while California embraces driverless vehicles.

California’s interpretation of the cell phone law may be a good model for other countries, as distracted driving is a major cause of death and injury in California.

Californians are told to keep their phones mounted, muted or out of sight while driving.