It’s a frustratingly common sight: a driver next to you, head down, scrolling on their phone. To combat this dangerous habit, California is getting serious. The new no touch law California 2025 completely changes the rules for using your phone behind the wheel. This isn’t just an update to the old hands-free rules; the CA no touch law means you cannot hold, touch, or interact with your device at all while driving. Yes, that includes when you’re stopped at a red light. Here’s what you need to know about this important change.
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.
How Does the CA “No-Touch” Law Affect You?
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.
Why This Law is Changing in 2025
The primary reason for this updated law is to combat the steady rise of preventable injuries and deaths on California roads. State officials recognized that existing hands-free rules weren’t enough to stop drivers from texting, scrolling, and tapping on their screens. This change expands the state’s hands-free requirements to cover more situations, including when you’re stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. The goal is to address the root cause of countless auto accidents by creating a clear, zero-tolerance policy for handling a phone while behind the wheel, ultimately making the roads safer for everyone.
Closing a Legal Loophole
Previous laws left some room for interpretation, creating a loophole that some drivers exploited. For instance, it wasn’t always clear if briefly holding a phone or resting it on your lap was illegal. This new law closes that gap by explicitly prohibiting drivers from holding, touching, or interacting with a mobile device for any reason. The only exception is a single tap or swipe on a mounted device. This clarification removes any ambiguity, sending a direct message to all drivers: your hands must stay on the wheel and your focus must remain on the road. This is especially critical for protecting vulnerable road users, like those involved in pedestrian accidents.
Official Start Date
The stricter enforcement of the “No-Touch” law began in June 2025, following a court decision that clarified that even holding a phone for a moment is a violation. This ruling empowers law enforcement to issue citations without needing to prove the driver was actively using the device for communication. The objective is to protect lives by reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by distracted driving. A moment of inattention can have devastating consequences, sometimes resulting in wrongful death claims that leave families shattered. This law is a proactive measure to prevent such tragedies before they happen.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do Under the “No-Touch” 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.
Stricter Rules for Drivers Under 18
For drivers under the age of 18, the rules are even more restrictive. California law prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone for any reason while driving, and this includes hands-free devices. The only exception is for making an emergency call to the police, fire department, or other service agency. This zero-tolerance approach reflects the higher risks associated with inexperienced drivers, who are already more susceptible to distractions. Combining inexperience with phone use creates a dangerous situation that can easily lead to a serious auto accident. For parents, it’s crucial to have clear conversations with teen drivers about these specific rules to ensure they understand their responsibilities behind the wheel.
Application in Parking Lots and at Stoplights
A common point of confusion is whether the law applies when a vehicle isn’t moving. The “No-Touch” law is clear: it remains in effect whether you are driving down the freeway, stopped at a red light, or even moving through a parking lot. The legal definition of “operating a vehicle” includes any time the car is on a public roadway and not safely parked. This means you cannot pick up your phone to check a notification while waiting for the light to turn green or scroll through a playlist while looking for a parking spot. These moments still require your full attention, as a brief distraction can lead to a fender bender or a tragic pedestrian accident.
Hit by a Distracted Driver? Here’s What to Do
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.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking the “No-Touch” 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.
How a Ticket Affects Your Fines, Points, and Record
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.
A Breakdown of Fines and Fees
The initial fine for a first-time violation might seem manageable, but it’s the additional court costs and fees that really add up. A first offense for violating the “No-Touch” law will typically cost you around $160. If you’re caught a second time, that figure jumps to over $250. These penalties are designed to discourage drivers from taking risks that could lead to a serious auto accident. It’s important to remember that these fines are separate from the long-term financial consequences, such as higher insurance rates, which can follow you for years after the ticket is paid. The state’s goal is to make the financial sting sharp enough to change driver behavior and make the roads safer for everyone.
Does a Phone Ticket Make You At-Fault in an Accident?
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.
Can Police Pull You Over Just for Holding Your Phone?
Yes, police can pull you over just for holding your phone. Under the California “No-Touch” law, the act of holding a mobile device while driving is a primary offense. This means an officer doesn’t need another reason, like speeding or swerving, to initiate a traffic stop. Simply having the phone in your hand is enough to warrant a ticket. This strict enforcement is designed to eliminate the ambiguity of previous laws and send a clear message that any form of handheld phone use is a dangerous distraction. If an officer witnesses this violation right before a collision, it can serve as powerful evidence in a personal injury claim, helping to prove the other driver was negligent in causing the auto accident.
The High Cost of a Single Glance at Your Phone
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.
The Reality of Distracted driving: By the Numbers
The statistics behind distracted driving are more than just numbers—they represent real lives changed in an instant. Understanding the data helps clarify why California is taking a firmer stance with the “No-Touch” law. The goal is to prevent the thousands of avoidable injuries and deaths that occur on our roads each year. These aren’t abstract figures; they are parents, children, and neighbors whose lives are permanently altered by a preventable choice. When you see the facts, it’s hard to argue that any text, call, or notification is worth the risk of causing such devastating harm to another person or family.
National and California Crash Statistics
In California alone, distracted driving is a factor in over 140,000 crashes annually, according to the state’s Office of Traffic Safety. This isn’t a minor issue; it’s a widespread problem with devastating outcomes. These collisions often result in severe consequences, from catastrophic brain injuries to life-altering disabilities and even wrongful death. The new law is a direct response to these alarming figures, designed to protect everyone on the road. This includes motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, who are especially vulnerable to a driver’s momentary lapse in attention and have little to no protection in a collision.
How a Two-Second Distraction Increases Crash Risk
Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds while driving at highway speeds is like traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. In that short span, a traffic light can change, a car ahead can brake suddenly, or a child can step into the street. This single glance at a phone screen dramatically increases the risk of causing a serious auto accident. The danger isn’t just visual; it’s also cognitive, as your mind is focused on the screen instead of the road. The “No-Touch” law aims to eliminate these critical moments of inattention, reinforcing that a driver’s primary responsibility is to remain fully focused on operating their vehicle safely.
Simple Ways to Avoid a Distracted Driving Ticket
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.
How to Use Your Phone Legally While Driving
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 in an Accident? We’re Here to Help
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.
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