California Senate Bill Penalizes Distracted Driving
California lawmakers are taking distracted driving seriously by pushing Senate Bill SB 1030 toward law. The measure would add one driving-record point if a driver is found handling a mobile device while driving.
The bill has passed the Senate and is now headed to the California State Assembly. SB 1030 would then become law if signed by Governor Jerry Brown.
Stronger legislation is an important step toward addressing distracted driving to make roadways safer. Industry experts report that distracted driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving and is becoming increasingly common.
What Happens if California SB 1030 Is Passed into Law?
California currently prohibits holding an electronic device while driving and texting. Using a handheld wireless phone while driving has been against the law in California since July 1, 2008.
The Wireless Communications Device Law, in effect since 2009, specifically prohibits writing, sending or reading text messages while driving. Legislation was strengthened in 2017, making it illegal to hold a cellphone for any reason while driving, including maps, directions or music.
Violating the distracted driving law is considered a primary offense, allowing a law enforcement officer to stop a person suspected of breaking this law. Under the existing distracted driving law, a motorist who is caught driving while texting is subject to a fine of $20 plus penalties for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense can result in a fine of $50 plus penalties. The offense is currently considered an infraction but does not add any points to the motorist’s driving record.
The new law would result in the same penalties, plus it would add one point to a motorist’s driving record. The new law creates a stronger deterrent to texting and using social media while driving.
Lawmakers anticipate that the law will have an effect on driver habits similar to how seatbelt laws affected motorists’ behavior. When seatbelt violations became primary offenses and penalties increased, people obeyed the law more often.
The author of SB 1030, State Senator Josh Newman, has stated that current penalties are not harsh enough to deter the dangerous habit of texting while driving. He also said that thousands of people are seriously injured or killed in distracted driving accidents in California.
Some of the dangers of using a cellphone while driving, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), include:
- Texting while driving increases the likelihood of a collision by two to eight times.
- Talking on a phone while driving increases the likelihood of a collision by four times.
- Distracted driving is one of the top three factors in deadly crashes involving teen drivers.
- Distraction plays a role in six out of 10 teen driving accidents.
What Does One Point Do to My Driving Record?
California uses a point system to keep track of a motorist’s driving infractions. Having as few as four points within a 12-month period or six points in a 24-month period can result in a suspension of driving privileges.
Additionally, driving points can result in higher insurance premiums. Points are used as a gauge of how safely a motorist tends to drive, so additional points on a driver’s record are intended to penalize the driver and also to motivate him or her to drive more safely.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If a negligent party causes a collision by texting while driving and you are injured as a result, the Arnold Law Firm can help. Our car accident attorneys have extensive experience in pursuing claims against drivers who caused injury to others due to distracted driving or violation of other traffic laws. Since 1975, our skilled attorneys have pursued maximum compensation against negligent drivers.
We offer a free consultation to discuss the possibility of pursuing a personal injury claim. We will identify parties who may be liable for the injuries that you sustained, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You do not pay any upfront fees. We do not receive payment until we help you recover compensation for your car accident. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today
so we can review your claim.
Free Case Evaluation
Client Reviews
After a drunk driver hit me I wasn’t really sure what to do. A friend of mine Highly Recommended Arnold Law Firm, what a great recommendation it has been! The staff from lawyers to assistants has been nothing short of amazing. Always are calling and emailing me to update what is going on with your case. A very nerve racking thing to deal with personal injury and what comes from it. But with Arnold Law Firm you can rest knowing they are fighting for every inch for you. Need a law office? Look no further!
This firm is a joy to work with, they really care about their clients. Mr. Minney and Deena were wonderful to work with.
I am very grateful for the services I got from Arnold Law Firm! Everyone was great! Stephanie was awesome! Her dedication and perseverance were admirable! She was the person behind the success of my claim! I truly appreciate her in particular, and Arnold Law Firm staff, in general!
So far, we are very happy with Arnold Law Firm and the personal service we have received by Dominic Sandaval. We are looking forward to continuing this relationship through the remainder of our law suit.
Thank you, Gilbert and Joanne Joseph
Not just legal experts, The Arnold Law Firm and my case manager Stephanie Baffoni genuinely cares about you.
The Arnold Law Firm has a proven track record of success fighting for their clients and I am very thankful to have them supporting me during a very challenging time. What I did not expect is the level of compassion, partnership, and trust Stephanie and the team strives to achieve in what could have been a purely transactional relationship.If you want to be treated like a person, not a number, and know someone is looking out for your best interests, then look no further.