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SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving (2011)

Summary

Senate Bill 28 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.

After the bill passed the Legislature, Senator Simitian sent a letter to the Governor urging his signature.

For more information, you can read the SB 28 "Fact Sheet" prepared by a member of Senator Simitian's staff.

Final Status and Text

SB 28 is no longer active. Its final status was:
Vetoed by the Governor

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

News & Press Releases about SB 28

05/14/2012 - Senate Passes Simitian Bill To Strengthen Hands-Free and No Texting Laws

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

09/21/2011 - Too Quick to Veto Hands-Free Law?

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

09/06/2011 - Jerry Brown vetoes higher fines for driving while using cellphone

08/16/2011 - Penalties for drivers using a handheld phone or texting likely to rise in California

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