Illegal cell phone use while driving carries serious legal and financial consequences for California drivers.
At the Hanford Courthouse in Kings County, CA, such cases are increasingly common under amended traffic code targeting distracted driving, AB-47.
Legal Implications of Illegal Cell Phone Use
California’s AB-47, Distracted Driving, amended CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses effective July 1, 2021.
This amendment authorizes the DMV to assess one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point for a second illegal cell phone use conviction within three years of the first.
This amendment highlights the need to take each citation seriously, even a first offense. Consulting a traffic attorney is crucial to protect your driving record. Often, the first mobile phone use ticket is easier to dispute, depending on the situation. If your cell violation is your first offense your insurance rates can still be effected.
The Financial Costs of Illegal Cell Phone Use Tickets
Illegal cell phone use can significantly impact your auto insurance premiums.
Remember, the following are average insurance premium costs. Your actual premium could vary widely from the average, depending on many factors.
Bankrate.com reports:
“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.
Los Angeles versus Rural Areas: LA drivers pay much more ($3,885) for full coverage than those in smaller cities and towns like Bishop ($2,008), Benton ($2,230), or Hanford ($2,314).
Adding a Teen Driver: Policies with a 16-year-old average $6,189 annually for full coverage. Therefore, if you or anyone on your policy are convicted for illegal cell phone use, it could cost you $1,856.70 more annually for full coverage.
Location, miles driven, and other factors affect premiums. However, your driving record has the most substantial impact. Losing your 20% “good driver’s discount” due to a moving violation can cost $567 more annually for three years— $1,700 total.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney for Illegal Cell Phone Use Tickets
An experienced Kings County traffic attorney can be invaluable when dealing with illegal cell phone use citations.
Although there are no guarantees, they may secure approval for traffic violator school, negotiate a charge without NOTS points, or even achieve a full dismissal.
With the legal and financial stakes so high, having professional representation is often worth the investment.
Avoiding NOTS points and preserving your driving record can save you from years of inflated insurance premiums.
Protect yourself by consulting an experienced traffic attorney if you’ve received a citation in Kings County.
Contact Bigger & Harman About an Illegal Cell Phone Use Ticket
If you have been issued a ticket for illegal cell phone use in Hanford Courthouse in Kings County, contact Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our online contact form to schedule a consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
AB-47, Distracted Driving & CA VC Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.