Los Angeles, CA — California’s recently enacted “no-touch” law, which prohibits drivers from even holding their phone while driving, despite not actively using it. Holding the phone now violates the law and leads to stricter enforcement and penalties, which include fines starting at $130, as well as added points on your license. Officers are also now able to stop drivers solely for phone use.
“This law sets a clear standard: drivers can no longer physically touch their phone while operating a vehicle, even when stopped,” said a spokesperson for El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. “What many drivers don’t realize is that brief actions, like adjusting GPS or changing a song while holding the device, now qualify as violations.”
Under California Vehicle Code § 23123.5, even if the driver is holding the phone briefly to check directions or notifications, it is considered operation and use, and thus a clear violation of the law, which now aims to eliminate all ambiguity.
Examples of prohibited behavior include holding a phone to look at GPS for directions, scrolling to playlists or music apps, viewing text messages, videos, or maps, holding the device in one hand, even when not actively using the device. Using the device when stopped at a red light or in traffic is also considered a violation.
Drivers caught violating the law will face a base fine of $20 for their first offense, which ends up totaling around $130 to $140, following fees and assessments. Subsequent offenses will incur higher base fines, at around $50, which may exceed $280 in total costs, and result in points on your license, as well as increased insurance premiums.
Fortunately, exceptions do exist, and they’re very narrowly defined. The new “no touch” law doesn’t apply to first responders acting in the course of their official duties. Additionally, passengers in a vehicle are also exempt and aren’t prohibited from holding and actively using their device freely, as long as they’re not interfering with the driver operating the vehicle.
Emergency calls, such as those directed at law enforcement, roadside assistance, and paramedics, also remain permitted to the driver and passengers under all circumstances. Otherwise, the law is subject to primary enforcement, meaning that law enforcement has the right to stop a driver solely for violating this particular rule.
Drivers can still lawfully use their smartphones as navigation devices, and may even interact with them. However, phones must be mounted on the dashboard or in a lower corner of the windshield.
Interaction with the device can be done solely by single-tapping or swiping on the device while driving. Voice commands for calls, text, and navigation are permitted to all but drivers who are under 18; these individuals are completely prohibited from using phones at all, even if the devices are in hands-free mode.
“The no-touch law underscores California’s effort to curb distracted driving at its source,” said a spokesperson for El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. “Mobile phones are a leading cause of crashes, and this law is a direct response to that ongoing danger.”
El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is a California personal injury law firm with offices in Los Angeles and Huntington Beach. With more than 50 years of combined experience and a history of securing millions in compensation, the firm focuses exclusively on serious accidents and wrongful death cases, including motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and complex liability claims.
The team is recognized for delivering compassionate service, aggressive legal representation, and consistent results for accident victims and their families. For those who want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.
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For more information about El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, contact the company here:
El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
Alma Matos
213-985-1120
alma@erlawyers.com
1150 S Olive St #1300, Los Angeles, CA 90015
