California · Vehicle Code

VEH §23124: (a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years.

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

Drivers under age 18 cannot use wireless phones or electronic communication devices while driving, even with hands-free equipment. Violation is an infraction with fines of $20 for first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.

Read the full statutory text

(a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years. (b) Notwithstanding Sections 23123 and 23123.5, a person described in subdivision (a) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device, even if equipped with a hands-free device. (c) 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. (d) A law enforcement officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is violating subdivision (b). (e) Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a law enforcement officer from stopping a vehicle for a violation of Section 23123 or 23123.5. (f) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone or a mobile service device 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. (g) For the purposes of this section, “electronic wireless communications device” includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal communication device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop computer with mobile data access, pager, and two-way messaging device.

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.