Vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases penalties for the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle, and outlines how fines may be redistributed in order to reimburse the courts.

Highlights:

• Increases the base fine for using cell phones or text messaging while operating a motor vehicle from $20 to $50 for the first offense and from $50 to $100 for the second or subsequent offenses (Sec. 6 & 7).

• Prohibits individuals riding bicycles from using cell phones or text messaging, with a base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for the second or subsequent offenses (Sec. 3 & 4).

• Establishes the Distracted Driver Education Fund in the State Treasury to be used for an education program on the dangers of cell phone use and text messaging while driving (Sec. 9).

• Requires the county treasurer to submit $10 from each fine collected for violating any of these provisions to the Distracted Driver Education Fund (Sec. 9).

• Authorizes the county treasurer to withhold a portion of all fines collected for violations regarding the use of mobile devices while operating a bicycle to reimburse the courts for costs associated with processing violations of these provisions (Sec. 9).

Full Bill Text