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California continues to tighten its distracted driving regulations, and one of the most important recent changes is the no-touch phone law. As phone-related crashes increase across the state, lawmakers have moved toward stricter rules that reduce distractions and encourage safer driving habits.
The state’s no-touch phone law plays an important role in reducing distracted driving and keeping roads safer. Knowing what the law prohibits, the penalties involved, and how a violation can affect liability after a crash helps drivers make informed decisions and avoid serious consequences. The personal injury attorneys at Trevino Law assists injured Californians in navigating these issues and explains how phone use behind the wheel can influence a personal injury claim.
California’s no-touch phone law is an expansion of existing hands-free rules that aim to reduce distractions caused by mobile devices. Under this law, drivers are not allowed to hold, touch, or manipulate a cell phone while driving. This rule is intended to cut down on activities that take a driver’s hands, eyes, or attention away from the road; actions that can easily cause a car accident.
The law applies to all drivers, regardless of age or experience level. For many drivers, the biggest change is that even brief interactions with a phone, such as checking a notification or tapping a screen, are now prohibited unless the phone is operating entirely hands-free.
The no-touch phone law is clear about activities that are not allowed. Violations include:
Drivers can use phones only when they are mounted in a hands-free position and can be operated with a single tap or voice commands. Any unnecessary interaction with a phone may lead to a citation.
California includes certain exceptions to accommodate emergency needs and specific circumstances. These include:
These exceptions are narrow, and most everyday phone use still violates the no-touch rule.
California enforces penalties to encourage compliance and reduce distracted driving incidents. Fines and consequences increase depending on how many times a driver has been cited.
A first-time violation generally results in:
Although the first ticket may not seem severe, the long-term effect on insurance premiums can be significant.
If a driver receives a second citation within thirty-six months, penalties become more serious:
Multiple offenses signal risky driving behavior, which can have long-term consequences for both safety and insurance costs.
The no-touch phone law has a direct impact on personal injury claims that arise from car accidents. When a driver violates this law and causes a crash, the use of the phone can be treated as evidence of negligence. This can strengthen an injured person’s claim and increase the likelihood of recovering compensation.
Important factors in these cases include:
If a driver broke the no-touch phone law, it may be easier to prove that they failed to act responsibly, leading to liability for injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, the violation may support claims for additional damages if reckless behavior can be shown.
The law also helps protect injured victims from being unfairly blamed for accidents. Because breaking the law is a clear form of distracted driving, insurance companies may be more likely to settle claims fairly when distracted driving is involved.
Being involved in a distracted driving accident can create significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges, and many victims quickly discover that the insurance process is far more complicated than expected. Distracted driving cases often involve disputed liability, conflicting statements, and the need for technical evidence such as phone data or camera footage. Because the no-touch phone law affects how negligence is evaluated, having an attorney who understands these rules can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.
A personal injury attorney can help by:
Trevino Law helps injured Californians build strong claims when distracted driving plays a role. Our team understands how the no-touch phone law influences liability and how to present evidence that supports your case. We work to ensure that victims receive full and fair compensation for their injuries and financial losses.
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident or have questions about California’s no-touch phone law, Trevino Law is here to help. Contact us today at (661) 526-5012 for a free consultation and learn how we can support your recovery.
