7/20/10-The Assembly Transportation Committee recently voted to advance a bill that would boost the penalty for calling or texting on a handheld cell phone.
Sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, SB1475 calls for offenders to pay $50 for breaking the rule – up from $20. Repeat offenders would face $100 fines – double the existing $50 fine. Local county fees included can result in penalties that are more than triple the amount.
Law enforcement officers could also stop teen motorists for any suspected use of wireless devices, handheld or hands-free. Officers wouldn’t have to see the device in use to make a stop.
Awaiting clearance to the Assembly floor for a final vote, if SB1475 passes that test it would move back to the Senate for approval of changes before heading to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Senate attached a provision to add one point to offenders driving records’ on their second offense.
Also, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be required to add more questions on cell phone use or texting on the driver exam. Currently, there are only two questions in the rotation of 360.
For Senate bill status, call 916-651-4171.