|  Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, California drivers will be banned from driving a motor vehicle while reading, writing or sending a text message. California Governor Schwarzenegger signed amended Senate Bill 28 into law On September 24, 2008. Governor Schwarzenegger said, “Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians.”
The new law adds the following provision to the original Senate Bill 28: “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.”
The bill would impose a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for any subsequent violation, but no violation point will be assigned to the driver’s license.
The new law also does not apply to emergency services professionals operating authorized emergency vehicles in the course and scope of their duties.
California drivers are already prohibited from using handheld wireless telephones while driving, unless the devices are configured to allow hands-free listening and talking. These provisions were outlined in the original Senate Bill 28, which went into effect on July 1, 2008. |
