We’re used to constantly checking our phones for texts, emails, and directions; they’re always within reach. For many people, it’s become a habit to check their phone whenever they hear a notification, no matter where they are. While it’s well known that texting while driving is illegal, many people still grab their phones at stop lights, without realizing that it is also a violation of California’s driving laws.
Many drivers know that checking your phone while the car is moving is illegal — and unsafe, but even checking your phone while in traffic or at a red light when your car is stopped is still considered driving, and therefore illegal in California. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, you “cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.”
Instead, drivers are only allowed to use hands-free features, including using a navigation app. A court in California recently ruled that a driver using a map function while holding their phone still qualifies as distracted driving. While you may think grabbing your phone at a red light is allowed, it’s actually a violation of the law that could result in a traffic ticket.
No-touch phone laws are intended to reduce distracted driving, which can be very dangerous. In 2023, over 3,000 people died from distraction-related crashes. Using a cellphone while driving also increases your chance of crashing by 400%, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A first offense for using your phone while driving (including at a stop light) results in a citation starting at $162 and then increases with each violation.