New California Law Cracks Down on Distracted Driving: Holding Your Phone For Any Reason While Driving Is Now Illegal

A new landmark California court decision has made it crystal clear: if you’re holding your phone behind the wheel, you’re breaking the law.

A California appeals court ruled in June 2025 that drivers across the state must keep their phones out of their hands and their eyes on the road, or risk steep fines and, more importantly, catastrophic consequences. The “no touch” ruling states that holding a phone for any reason, including for navigation or maps, is a violation of the state’s hands-free law.

This decision closes a loophole that some drivers believed allowed them to hold their phones as long as they weren’t texting or making calls. Now, glancing at a map or GPS app while holding your device can get you ticketed.

“This law isn’t about punishing drivers, it’s about protecting lives,” Juan Garza, associate attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark, told local media. “Even a quick glance at your phone can have deadly consequences.”

Distracted driving is a deadly problem in California and across the nation. Nationally, 3,308 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In California, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in 2022. A two-second distraction can increase the risk of a crash more than 20 times, according to AAA.

The law, originally strengthened in 2016, was designed to address the growing dangers of distracted driving as smartphones became “pocket-sized computers.” The court’s ruling reinforces the Legislature’s intent to prohibit all handheld use of wireless devices while driving, not just talking or texting.

So, what’s now illegal?

• Holding your phone for any reason while driving, including for navigation, music, or checking notifications.
• Manipulating, touching, or swiping your phone while it’s not mounted.
• Looking at your phone’s screen while holding it, even if you’re not actively using it.

And what’s still allowed?

• Using a phone mounted on your dashboard or windshield.
• Operating your phone with a single tap or swipe while it’s mounted.
• Using voice commands or hands-free features.

A distracted driving ticket in California can cost between $170 and $300 for a first offense, with higher fines for repeat violations. But the real cost can be much higher: a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating crashes, injuries, or loss of life.

Local law enforcement and safety advocates urge drivers to take the law seriously, not just to avoid tickets, but to save lives. As distracted driving incidents continue to rise, here are some ways to do your part in keeping roadways safe:

• Mount your phone before you drive if you need navigation.
• Set your destination and music before hitting the road.
• Use voice commands to control your phone hands-free.
• Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving” to silence notifications.
• If you need to check your phone, pull over to a safe spot.

As the attorneys at the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark have seen in countless cases, distracted driving can result in life-altering injuries and heartbreaking loss. The firm continues to advocate for safer roads and holds negligent drivers accountable when tragedy strikes.

“California’s latest court ruling sends a strong message: no text, call, or map is worth risking a life,” said Garza. “By keeping your hands off your phone and your focus on the road, you’re not just following the law, you’re protecting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else who shares the road.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

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MEDIA COVERAGE

• California enforces stricter ‘No Touch’ phone law to curb distracted driving incidents (Bakersfield Eyewitness News – June 16, 2025) (Web Article)