California · Vehicle Code

VEH §23123: (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in th

InfractionDUI / Traffic

What this law says, in plain English

Drivers cannot use a wireless telephone while driving unless it is hands-free. Violations are infractions with base fines of $20 for first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.

Subsections

VEH §23123(a) — Handheld cell phone use while driving

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless configured for hands-free use. An infraction with a base fine of $20 (first) or $50 (subsequent) plus assessments.

Read the full statutory text

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving. (b) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense. (c) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity. (d) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties. (e) This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125. (f) This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property. (g) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2011.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.