No Hands-Free Texting For Teen Drivers Under Bill
SACRAMENTO (AP) — Teenage drivers in California would be banned from texting while driving even if they use hands-free methods under a bill headed to Gov. Jerry Brown.
A 2012 state law allows drivers to use hands-free devices to dictate, send and listen to text messages while driving. But teens were banned in 2007 from using cell phones while driving and were not exempt from last year's law.
SB194 from Sen. Cathleen Galgiani of Stockton would clarify that drivers under 18 are prohibited any cellphone use while driving, including voice-activated apps like Apple iPhone's Siri.
Supporters, such as the California Association of Highway Patrolmen and Driving School Association of California, say distractions to novice drivers are a significant safety concern.
The Assembly approved the legislation Tuesday on a vote of 64-4.
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