California has taken another step to reduce distracted driving with a new measure that changes how drivers can use their phones behind the wheel. The California “No-Touch” phone law for 2025 clarifies that drivers cannot hold, touch, or interact with a mobile device for any reason while operating a vehicle. This rule expands the state’s hands-free requirements and applies even when a car is stopped at a red light or sitting in traffic.
The law aims to curb the growing number of crashes linked to driver distraction. Texting, scrolling, and tapping screens continue to cause preventable injuries on California roads. Understanding what this new law means, what is allowed, and how violations can affect your license and insurance helps every driver stay safe and compliant.
What the California “No-Touch” Phone Law Means for Drivers
The California “No-Touch” phone law strengthens earlier rules on distracted driving by prohibiting drivers from holding or touching a phone while the vehicle is on a public road. Vehicle Code § 23123.5 says it is now illegal to pick up, hold, or rest a phone on your body for any reason during operation. This applies even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic or waiting at a light.
Drivers may still use mounted devices if the phone is placed in a secure holder attached to the windshield or dashboard. A single tap or swipe to begin or end a function such as navigation or a voice call is allowed. Any additional interaction, including typing, scrolling, or watching videos, is considered a violation of the law.
The intent is clear: keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. Enforcement agencies throughout the state are increasing patrols and visibility campaigns to support compliance.
What Is and Isn’t Allowed Under the New Law
Drivers can still stay connected, but they must do it safely and within the framework of the new California “No-Touch” phone law.
You may:
- Use a mounted phone to activate voice commands or navigation.
- Touch the screen once to start or end a call.
- Use Bluetooth or speakerphone for communication.
- Pull over and park safely before interacting with your phone.
You may not:
- Hold your phone in your hand for any reason while driving.
- Type, scroll, or read messages on your screen.
- Rest your phone on your lap or shoulder.
- Watch videos or browse the internet while in motion or at a stoplight.
The law makes few exceptions. Emergency service workers and drivers calling 911 in urgent situations are not penalized. Everyone else must remain hands-free at all times while on public roads.
What to Do If You Suspect the Other Driver Was Violating the Law
After a collision, evidence of phone use can become critical. If you believe another driver broke the California “No-Touch” phone law, take these steps right away:
- Tell responding officers about your observations and ask that they note possible phone use in the report.
- Look for witnesses who saw the other driver texting or holding a phone.
- Request nearby business or traffic camera footage that might show the behavior.
- Inform your attorney so they can request phone records during investigation.
A violation of this law can establish negligence in a personal injury claim, strengthening your case for compensation.
Penalties & Liabilities Under the California “No-Touch” Phone Law
Breaking the California “No-Touch” phone law carries more than a simple traffic ticket. The law treats handheld phone use as a serious distraction that endangers other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Understanding the penalties and how they connect to accident liability can help drivers see why staying hands-free is essential.
Fines, Points, and Driving Record Consequences
A first offense under the California “No-Touch” phone law costs around $160 after court fees. A second violation can exceed $250. Each conviction within three years also adds a point to your driving record under Vehicle Code § 12810. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspended license and higher insurance premiums.
Insurance providers view distracted driving citations as signs of risky behavior. Even one ticket can raise rates for several years. Repeat violations may require defensive driving courses or lead to probationary driving restrictions.
Impact on Accident Fault and Insurance Claims
Violating the California “No-Touch” phone law does more than result in fines. It can influence who is found at fault in a crash. Police reports, witness accounts, or phone data showing device use during an accident can establish negligence. This makes it easier for injured parties to prove responsibility and recover damages.
Insurance adjusters rely on these findings when reviewing claims. Even a minor violation can reduce or eliminate compensation for the at-fault driver. Victims of distracted drivers may receive payment for medical treatment, property damage, and other losses through a personal injury claim.
Distracted Driving Sacrifices Safety in California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 140,000 crashes each year involve distracted behavior. The California “No-Touch” phone law aims to reduce this number by removing temptation entirely. Studies show that even a few seconds of glancing at a phone can equal driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Distracted driving injuries affect pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. The new rule is designed to promote a culture of full attention while driving, reinforcing that no message or notification is worth the risk of a crash.
Tips for Complying with the California “No-Touch” Phone Law
Following the California “No-Touch” phone law is easier with a few habits that keep technology from becoming a distraction.
- Mount your phone securely on the dashboard or windshield before starting the car.
- Use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant for calls and navigation.
- Activate “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode to block notifications.
- Set your playlist and GPS destination before you leave.
- Pull over safely if you must make adjustments.
These small steps help prevent accidents and fines while keeping your attention where it belongs.
Staying Hands-Free with Technology
Modern technology offers many tools to help drivers comply with the California “No-Touch” phone law. Bluetooth systems, steering wheel controls, and voice-activated assistants let you communicate and navigate without ever touching the screen.
Apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sync seamlessly with vehicles, allowing limited one-touch access that meets legal standards. Edison Research reports 40% of Americans in 2025 use these features in their vehicle. Even basic mounts or magnetic holders cost little and make a major difference in safety. The goal of this law is not to inconvenience drivers but to keep roads safer for everyone.
California “No-Touch” Phone Law – FAQs
Yes. The law treats a stopped vehicle as “in operation.” You cannot touch or hold your phone while waiting at a light.
You can interact with your phone only when the car is legally parked in a safe location off the roadway.
Drivers may hold a phone only to call emergency services when there is an immediate threat to safety.
Investigators can obtain phone records to determine whether a driver was using their device at the time of impact. Your attorney will also have access to this evidence during the claim process.
Yes. The law restricts the driver only. Passengers may use their devices freely as long as they do not obstruct the driver’s view or movement.
Injured? Call Deldar
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated car accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- The California “No-Touch” phone law prohibits holding or touching a phone while driving, even at red lights or in traffic.
- Drivers can use mounted devices, voice commands, and Bluetooth for communication, but cannot interact with their phones otherwise.
- Violating this law incurs fines, points on driving records, and can influence liability in accidents.
- The law aims to reduce distracted driving, which causes over 140,000 crashes in California annually.
- To comply, drivers should use hands-free technology and set up devices before starting to drive.