Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Does a cell phone ticket go on your driving record?

I received a cell phone ticket the other day for texting and driving. The officer caught me red-handed, so I’m not disputing the charge. I just want to know if it will have a lasting impact.

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Cell phone ticket penalties vary widely by state, so whether yours will wind up on your permanent record depends on where you were when you were ticketed. 
For example:
  • If you received a ticket for
    texting and driving in California
    , you’ll be looking at a minimum $162 fine and 1 point on your driving record
  • If you were
    texting and driving in Montana
    , you’ll only see a fine if you were in one of the counties and cities that have made the practice illegal—and you’ll only see points on your record if you’re also charged with reckless driving
Even in the 48 states where texting and driving is illegal, though, it’s not always considered a moving violation. In states where it’s not a moving violation, you won’t see the infraction on your driving record but you will get socked with a fine.
The bottom line: The best way to figure out if your cell phone ticket will go on your driving record is to look up your state’s texting and driving and/or
distracted driving
laws.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings