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Can you talk on the phone while driving in California?

As someone in the sales industry, I’m always on the phone with clients. I’m not going to reject a phone call simply because I’m driving—I could lose a sale! Is it legal to talk on the phone while driving in California?

avatar
Drew Waterstreet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Remember, your safety is more important than any phone call. It is illegal in
California
to talk on the phone while you’re driving unless your phone is in hands-free mode.
Fines for speaking on the phone while driving in California are excess of $150 for first time offenders and excess of $250 for subsequent offenders. As of 2021, a distracted driving violation will also count as one point against your driving record for 36 months.
You may talk hands-free, but it must be through the vehicle’s bluetooth or the phone’s speaker. It is also illegal to wear headphones while driving in California.
While it may be inconvenient, these laws have helped to reduce the amount of accidents and injuries associated with distracted driving. Avoiding accidents can also help keep your
car insurance
rates low too. And if you’re looking for more ways to save, check out
Jerry
! The average Jerry user saves $887 annually on car insurance through instant comparison shopping.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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