AB 341

Current law prohibits inattentive driving, which means that a driver of a motor

vehicle may not be so engaged or occupied as to interfere with the safe driving of the

vehicle. Any person convicted of inattentive driving may be required to forfeit not

less than $20 nor more than $400.

This bill prohibits a person who is driving under an instruction permit or a

probationary license and who is under 18 years of age from driving a motor vehicle

while using a cellular telephone (cellular phone) or while using any other wireless

telecommunications device that is not installed in the vehicle (wireless device),

except to report an emergency. A probationary license is, with certain exceptions,

issued to all applicants for an original driver's license and remains in effect for two

years from the date of the licensee's next birthday. The prohibition applies to cellular

phones regardless of whether the cellular phone is hand-held, installed in the

vehicle, or otherwise situated, but applies to other wireless devices only if they are

hand-held or otherwise not installed in the vehicle. The prohibition applies

regardless of whether use of the cellular phone or wireless device interferes with

operation of the vehicle. Persons who violate this prohibition may be required to

forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $40 for a first offense, and not less than $50

nor more than $100 for a second or subsequent offense within one year.