No-Touch Phone Law Now Enforced in Los Angeles

If you drive in LA, it’s time to rethink how you use your phone behind the wheel. A recent court ruling has made it crystal clear: holding your phone while driving—no matter the reason—is illegal in California. Yes, even if you’re just checking directions or changing a song.

🚨 What the Law Says

California’s “hands-free” law (originally passed in 2016) was always intended to prevent drivers from being distracted. But on June 3, 2025, a state appellate court confirmed that even touching or holding your phone for navigation is a violation of the law. The ruling makes it official: if your phone isn’t mounted and hands-free, it’s illegal to use it while driving.

“The plain language of the statute prohibits driving a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless device,” the court said.

📍 Why This Matters in LA

Los Angeles has some of the most congested streets in the country, and distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Local police departments are stepping up enforcement, especially in high-traffic areas like:

Downtown LA
Hollywood
Santa Monica
The 405 and 101 interchange
School zones and busy intersections

💸 What’s the Penalty?

$158+ fine for the first offense
Additional costs and increased penalties for repeat offenders
Possible points on your DMV record

✅ What You Can Do

You are allowed to:

Use a mounted phone (dashboard or windshield)
Activate voice commands like Siri or Google Assistant
Set your navigation and music before you drive
Use your phone when legally parked

You are NOT allowed to:

Hold your phone to check maps or texts
Tap or scroll while at a red light or in traffic
Hold your phone on speaker in your hand

📲 LA Driver Safety Tips

Get a phone mount – Stick it to your dash or windshield.
Set up Do Not Disturb While Driving – It helps silence distracting notifications.
Use Bluetooth or voice commands only.
Pull over safely if you must use your phone.