Blog Post

California Bans Cell Phones for Teen Drivers


September 14, 2007
Topic: Auto Accidents

Teenagers in California will soon have to put an end to chatting on their cell phones while driving. According to a new law that will go into effect on July 1 2008, drivers under the age of 18 will be banned from using cell phones while at the wheel. The bill, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said would enable teen drivers to concentrate on "paying attention to the road and being good drivers."

When it comes into effect the new bill will prohibit teen drivers from using any electronic devices while on the road. These devices will include cell phones, text messaging devices, pagers etc. Offenders will be fined $20 dollars for a first offence and $50 dollars for future offenses. With this law, California joins a list of 15 states that have banned wire less communication devices on the road. More states are considering enacting similar laws.

Opponents of the bill say it singles out cell phones for their distracting qualities while ignoring the other causes of teen driver related auto accidents - inattentive driving, adjusting the CD player, smoking etc. For the most part, however Californians seem to welcome the new law, although there has been concern that in time the bill will slack off in implementation after some initial brouhaha.

According to statistics from the California Highway Patrol, cell phone usage by teen drivers is a major cause of auto accidents in California. In the case of 16-year-old cell phone wielding drivers, the crash rate is 3 times higher than in the case of 17-year-olds, five times greater than for 18-year-olds and up to 10 times greater than in the case of drivers aged between 30 and 59.

Driving is a serious task that requires all of a person's concentration. Eating, talking on a cellphone, or personal grooming while driving increases the likelihood of an auto accident and serious personal injury. If you were seriously injured by a distracted motorist, call the experienced auto accident injury lawyers at The Reeves Law Group. The consultation is free, and it might be a major step towards getting compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.


The California personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group represent victims of accidents, injuries and wrongful death throughout California from our offices in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Fresno County, Kern County, Sacramento County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, Antelope Valley, Torrance, Glendale, Bakersfield, Santa Ana, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Ontario, and Victorville.