Skip to: Content | Footer | Web Accessibility | Disability Services
Disabled wheelchair logo
Contact Information ImageTelephone: 1-800-777-0133 Hearing Impaired: TTY 1-800-368-4327

California Department of Motor Vehicles
DMV Spanish website
car image
A picture of a man and a woman using DMV Online Services
Link to online applications
Appointments
Registration Renewal
Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator
Online Driver License Renewal
Personalized Plates
Online Change of Address
Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
Text Sizer image Decrease the text size Restore original text size Increase the text size
Enlarge Text
Click to increase the text size.
Restore Text
Click to restore original text size.
Reduce Text
Click to decrease the text size.

Electronic Wireless Communications Device: Prohibited Use

23123.  (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a textbased communication.

(b) As used in this section “write, send, or read a text-based communication” means using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using a text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail.

(c) For purposes of this section, a person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text-based communication if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in an electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

(d) 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.

(e) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.

Added Sec. 2, Ch. 270, Stats. 2008. Effective January 1, 2009.