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SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving (2010)

Summary

Senate Bill 1475 would strengthen the state’s hands-free and anti-texting laws for motorists.  The bill would:

  • Increase the fine for a first hands-free or texting offense to $50, and to $100 for a subsequent offenses.
  • Provide that repeat violations of the hands-free law will add a “point” on motorists’ driving records,
  • Use a portion of the increased fine revenue to provide for a public awareness program; and
  • Apply the hands-free/no texting law to bicyclists. Cyclists would pay $20 for a first offense and $50 for a second offense, would not be subject to additional ticket fees/penalties, and would not receive a point on their driving record for violations.

Resources:

For more information, you can read the SB 1475 "Fact Sheet" prepared by a member of Senator Simitian's staff.

Final Status and Text

SB 1475 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Did not pass the Legislature

You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.

News & Press Releases about SB 1475

03/07/2012 - Cell phone law proves effective

03/06/2012 - California drivers finally put down those cellphones and are living to tell the tale

12/15/2011 - U.S. Safety Board Urges Cellphone Ban for Drivers

12/14/2011 - NTSB: Cell Phones Should Not Be Used While Driving

09/07/2011 - Governor Vetoes Simitian's Hands Free Legislation

08/15/2011 - Legislature Passes Simitian Bill To Strengthen Hands-Free And Texting Laws

05/24/2011 - Raise fines for those who text while they drive

04/26/2011 - State Senate agrees to raise fine for drivers texting or on phone

04/25/2011 - Senate Passes Simitian Bill To Strengthen Hands-Free And Texting Laws

03/30/2011 - California lawmaker seeks stiffer fines for drivers on phones

01/26/2011 - Legislators consider digital distractions

06/03/2010 - Senate Passes Simitian Bill to Strengthen Hands-Free and Texting Law

06/03/2010 - Higher fines proposed for cell phone use while driving in California

04/06/2010 - State considers tougher cell phone crackdown

04/01/2010 - A Cellphone Fine, Billed as Small, Is No Longer That

03/13/2010 - Would higher fines end the craziness of texting while driving?

02/28/2010 - Interview on cell phone legislation

02/23/2010 - Tougher penalties proposed for hands-free, texting violations

02/22/2010 - Driving Cell Phone Users Could Face Steeper Fines

02/22/2010 - Simitian Legislation To Strengthen Hands-Free/Texting Laws