Vehicle Code section 23123
(a)
A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.(b)
A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.(c)
This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.(d)
This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.(e)
This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.(f)
This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property.(g)
This section shall become operative on July 1, 2011.
Source:
Section 23123, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23123. (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).