AB 705

Current law prohibits inattentive driving of a motor vehicle, 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. Current law also specifically prohibits, with certain

exceptions, a person from driving while composing or sending an electronic text

message. Persons who violate either of these prohibitions may be required to forfeit

not less than $20 nor more than $400.

This bill prohibits a person from driving while using a hand-held mobile

telephone. The prohibition does not apply to any of the following: 1) operators of

authorized emergency vehicles; 2) use of certain emergency alert or vehicle

monitoring devices; 3) use of global positioning system devices; 4) certain amateur

radio operators; 5) certain use of hands-free telephones; and 6) use in response to an

emergency. Persons who violate this prohibition are subject to the same penalty as

for inattentive driving or driving while composing or sending an electronic text

message.