Bill Text: CA AB1646 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Vehicles: electronic wireless communication devices: prohibitions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Vetoed) 2014-09-30 - Vetoed by Governor. [AB1646 Detail]
Download: California-2013-AB1646-Enrolled.html
BILL NUMBER: AB 1646 ENROLLED
BILL TEXT
PASSED THE SENATE AUGUST 21, 2014
PASSED THE ASSEMBLY AUGUST 25, 2014
AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 5, 2014
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 8, 2014
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Frazier
(Coauthor: Assembly Member Gatto)
FEBRUARY 11, 2014
An act to amend, repeal, and add Section 12810.3 of, and to add
Section 1666.7 to, the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1646, Frazier. Vehicles: electronic wireless communication
devices: prohibitions.
(1) Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to
examine applicants for specific driver's licenses and requires the
department to administer a written test of those persons seeking
driver's licenses or certificates of renewal.
This bill, commencing July 1, 2015, would require the department
to include at least one question in each test of an applicant's
knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the Vehicle Code to
verify that the applicant has read and understands the distractions
and dangers associated with handheld cellular phone use and text
messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
(2) Existing law establishes that specified convictions and
violations under the Vehicle Code and traffic-related incidents count
as points against a driver's record for purposes of suspension or
revocation of the privilege to drive.
Under existing law, it is an infraction for a person to drive a
motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, or an electronic
wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based
communication, unless the telephone or electronic wireless
communications device is designed and configured to allow
voice-operated and hands-free operation, and is used in that manner
while driving, except as otherwise provided. A person under 18 years
of age is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a
wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device,
even if equipped with a hands-free device. A violation point is not
given for a violation of these provisions.
This bill, commencing July 1, 2015, would assess a violation point
for a conviction of these violations.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 1666.7 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
1666.7. (a) The department shall include in each noncommercial
driver's license examination at least one question in each test of an
applicant's knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this
code, as administered pursuant to Section 12803 or 12814, to verify
that the applicant has read and understands the distractions and
dangers associated with handheld cellular phone use and text
messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2015.
SEC. 2. Section 12810.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
12810.3. (a) Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a
violation point shall not be given for a conviction of a violation of
subdivision (a) of Section 23123, subdivision (a) of Section
23123.5, or subdivision (b) of Section 23124.
(b) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2015, and, as
of January 1, 2016, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute,
that becomes operative on or before January 1, 2016, deletes or
extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed.
SEC. 3. Section 12810.3 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
12810.3. (a) Pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a
violation point shall be given for a conviction of a violation of
subdivision (a) of Section 23123, subdivision (a) of Section 23123.5,
or subdivision (b) of Section 23124.
(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2015.
