California’s Text While Driving Ban Law Takes Effect January 1

by Heather McLaughlin

With 2009 just on the horizon, drivers in California have limited time to text while driving (TWD) before it becomes illegal in the state.

Senate Bill 28, introduced by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, takes affect on Thursday and aims to make California roads safer by fining drivers that are caught texting on their cell phones while behind the wheel of a car. The state also has laws that prohibit the use of a handheld cell phone while driving, however, handsfree communications are permitted.

Joe Simitian said, “It’s younger drivers who have higher rates of driving while texting, or DWT, so I think it’s important that we get this law on the books and each generation now understands that it’s prohibited by law.”

First offenders breaking the California TWD law will be fined an average of $76.00, but this could be higher depending on the location that the offense occurred. Repeat offenders can expect to pay $176.00 or more for subsequent offenses. State and local fees are included.

Tags: California, TWD law