A mobile phone use ticket in California has gotten significantly more expensive since the enactment of AB-47, Distracted Driving, the amendment to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses.
Many drivers merely paid the fine and moved on. However, the stakes are much higher with the attachment of an assessed negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point.
Changes Introduced with AB-47
Before AB-47, the penalty for a mobile phone use ticket was only a fine.
In 2021, AB-47 added stricter repercussions. Now, a second offense carries a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
This point stays on your record for three years, impacting your driving record and insurance costs. It could cost the driver more than $1,800 in higher insurance premiums over the three years they lose their “good driver’s discount” and the insurance company’s added risk.
How a Mobile Phone Use Ticket Impacts Your Insurance
Insurers will raise your premium if you have a second conviction or paid fine for a mobile phone use ticket on your record. Oftentimes insurers will even raise your rates on a first violation for cell phone use even though it is not a point!
A second offense could lead to the driver losing their 20% “good driver’s discount” and gaining added risk costs from distracted driving, which will significantly increase their insurance when the insurance provider checks their MVR upon renewal.
“Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,835 per year in California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $670 per year. Nationally, full coverage costs $2,458, and minimum coverage costs $678 on average per year, so California is an expensive place to buy insurance.”—Bankrate.com.
Remember, this is the average cost for California, and your premium might be lower or higher depending on many factors the insurance industry uses to determine your premium. Kings County is typically much cheaper than LA, Sacramento, or SF.
For the average California driver, losing a 20% “good driver discount” means paying an extra $567 yearly.
The Cost of a Second Mobile Phone Use Ticket
The reality of a second mobile phone use ticket has changed under AB-47. While fines were previously around $150 for a first offense and $260 for a second or subsequent conviction, they now come with added risks.
The assessment of a NOTS point makes this record public information available to insurance providers, college recruiters, and employers.
Why Hire a Traffic Attorney to Dispute Your Ticket
Hiring a traffic attorney to dispute your mobile phone use ticket can save you from costly fines and insurance premium hikes.
An experienced traffic attorney understands the legal process and knows when a ticket might be “winnable.” Consulting a traffic attorney about every traffic ticket could be essential in minimizing the impact of even your first ticket on both your driving record and budget.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Your Mobile Phone Use Ticket in Kings County
If you were issued a mobile phone use ticket that needs to be resolved in Hanford Courthouse in Kings County, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
AB-47, Distracted Driving.
CA VC 23123.5, Driving Offenses.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.