Hands-Free Driving Laws in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa driving laws prohibit any handheld use of wireless electronic devices while driving. That means in Santa Rosa, and throughout the rest of the state, you cannot hold your phone for:
- Calls
- Texting
- GPS navigation
- Checking notifications
- Any other reason
Violating the hands-free laws in Santa Rosa is a primary offense, which means law enforcement officers can stop drivers solely for hands-free violations.
At Santa Rosa Accident Injury Attorneys, we regularly assist clients who have been injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers. One major factor is cellphone misuse behind the wheel. Understanding the Santa Rosa hands-free law is essential for both preventing accidents and knowing when someone else may be responsible.
Is It Illegal To Hold Your Phone While Driving?
Under California Vehicle Code §23123 and §23123.5, any driver who is holding or interacting with a phone while driving is expressly breaking the law unless it is an emergency or made solely with hands‑free voice operation. California courts further clarified the hands-free law in June 2025 by ruling that even holding a phone briefly to glance at a map or notification is illegal.
This recent ruling confirms that there should be no holding, no swiping, no scrolling, even for directions or music when driving. Phones must be mounted and used with voice or a single tap, and nothing more.
Inside Santa Rosa, law enforcement is actively pursuing drivers who break the hands-free law or are engaging in other distracted driving practices. A local distracted driver operation in April 2024 resulted in 217 distracted driving citations over a single week, with second offenses within 36 months resulting in points on the driver’s record.
Is Bluetooth Illegal While Driving?
Technically, using Bluetooth when driving in Santa Rosa is not illegal. Bluetooth headsets, hands‑free speaker systems integrated into vehicles, and voice‑activated commands are permitted as long as the driver does not physically touch the phone for more than 1 tap, or hold the phone in their hands or lap. The hands-free law in Santa Rosa also allows voice‑operated texting or calling only if the phone is kept out of your hands.
In Santa Rosa, using Bluetooth to make or receive calls hands‑free is acceptable, but holding the device, even briefly, is still illegal. The key is to set up voice‑only or hands‑free operation before you drive.
Hands Free Ticket In Santa Rosa – Penalties And Enforcement
In Santa Rosa and across California, if you are caught holding a phone while driving, officers can issue a hands-free ticket. Because the law is enforced as a primary offense, there is no need for another violation to occur for a law enforcement officer to pull you over for touching your phone while driving.
Fines for a hands-free violation typically range from $170 to $300 for a first offense, depending on where you were pulled over. Being ticketed for repeat offenses within 36 months can result in points on your driver’s record, potential insurance increases, and higher fines.
Santa Rosa Cell Phone Law – Local Application of California Traffic Statutes
Santa Rosa drivers must comply with state law while driving inside and outside city limits. That includes:
- Not holding a cell phone for calls, text, navigation, music, or checking alerts.
- Using only voice commands, speakerphone, or Bluetooth devices that allow fully hands‑free operation.
- Mounting the phone on the dashboard or windshield, with only a single tap or swipe permitted while it remains mounted.
For drivers who are under age 18, California Vehicle Code §23124 bans all use of a wireless communication device while driving, whether it is hands‑free or not. Emergency calls to law enforcement or medical responders are exempt, however, as long as the phone is not held.
Tips For Santa Rosa Drivers To Stay Legal & Safe
Below are practical steps to follow the Santa Rosa hands-free law and avoid infractions or crashes:
- Mount your phone on the dashboard or windshield before you start driving.
- Activate navigation, music, or call functions before you begin moving.
- Use voice commands or a Bluetooth headset to avoid touching the phone.
- Never hold the phone, even for maps, glancing at messages, or adjusting GPS.
- Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving” features to reduce temptation.
- Pull over to a safe location if you must touch your phone.
- Educate teenage drivers, as they may face stricter rules and zero tolerance.
Following these steps ensures compliance with the Santa Rosa cell phone law and reduces your risk of accidents and enforcement.
What Are My Legal Options If a Driver Violates the Hands-Free Law and Causes a Crash in Santa Rosa?
When a driver violates the Santa Rosa hands-free law and causes a collision, that act of negligence can be used as evidence in a personal injury claim. In legal terms, violating a safety law, such as California Vehicle Code §23123 or §23123.5, can establish a presumption of negligence and fault if it results in an injury. This makes it easier for victims to prove liability and secure compensation.
If you were hurt in a car accident where the other driver was illegally using a handheld phone, you may be entitled to pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses (including emergency care, surgeries, rehab, or long-term treatment)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, if applicable
Proving that the at-fault driver was using their phone illegally at the time of the crash is a powerful factor in settlement negotiations or litigation. At Santa Rosa Accident Injury Attorneys, our legal team gathers important pieces of evidence such as:
- Police reports that note a hands-free ticket was issued
- Witness statements from passengers, pedestrians, or nearby drivers
- Cell phone records and metadata, which can be obtained through a subpoena if necessary
- Dash cam or surveillance footage that shows the moment of impact
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
If you were injured in Santa Rosa due to someone violating the Santa Rosa cell phone law, you should not have to carry the burden alone. Our team at Santa Rosa Accident Injury Attorneys is committed to helping car accident victims pursue maximum compensation under California law. Our Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers understand how to use the facts of the case, including unlawful cellphone use, to hold negligent drivers accountable.
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