California senate passes bill increasing fines for distracted driving
The citations issued to California drivers for using cellphones behind the wheel may soon be more expensive. Legislation passed recently by the California State Senate would increase the fines levied to motorists caught violating the statewide ban on using a handheld communication device while operating a motor vehicle. Senate Bill 1310 was approved by the state Senate in a 24 to 9 vote, and if enacted, the bill would increase these fines by $10, from $20 to $30 for first time offenders and from $50 to $60 for repeat offenders. The additional funding provided by this $10 increase would go to support a distracted driving awareness education campaign overseen by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The actual cost of receiving a citation for using a cellphone while driving — including court fees and penalties – would be approximately $200 for first time offenders and about $370 for each additional offense. In addition to the fine increase, the bill would add a penalty point to the driving record of anyone cited for a second instance of cellphone use while driving. The legislation would also prohibit bicyclists from using a cellphone while riding. Cyclists cited for distracted riding would be fined $20 for a first offense and $50 for each additional citation. A similar bill has previously been vetoed by California’s governor, but according to the bill’s sponsors, the current legislation was drafted with the support of the governor’s office.
