Illegal cell phone use consequences can be severe for California drivers, leading to fines, DMV points, and increased insurance costs.
If you’ve been ticketed in Fresno County, you need to understand the risks and your options.
California’s Laws on Cell Phone Use While Driving
Under California’s AB-47 law, the DMV will add a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point for a second illegal cell phone use conviction within three years of the first.
This change, effective July 1, 2021, makes it more important than ever to fight every ticket. You should ask a traffic attorney because the first ticket might be easier to get dismissed than the second. Plus your insurance company might hold it against you even if the conviction doesn’t include a point.
The Financial Impact of Illegal Cell Phone Use Tickets
A second conviction will lead to higher insurance premiums when the driver’s insurance provider learns of the paid fine or conviction, typically at renewal.
While fines are costly, the long-term financial burden comes from increased insurance rates. Bankrate.com reports:
“Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,935 per yearin California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $844 per year.”
In Fresno, full coverage insurance averages $2,719 per year.
Los Angeles drivers pay significantly more ($3,997), while smaller towns like Bishop see lower rates ($2,275).
Adding a 16-year-old driver raises full coverage premiums to about $6,885 per year.
If convicted of illegal cell phone use, you could lose your 20% good driver discount and see a 10% risk increase. This could mean an additional $815 per year for three years—totaling over $2,400.
Do you still believe it is cheaper just to pay the fine?
Local Traffic Enforcement in Fresno County
Many drivers in Fresno County receive cell phone tickets near busy intersections, school zones, and highways like I-5 or SR-99.
Law enforcement officers often patrol high-traffic areas near the 7-Eleven, Chevron, Circle K, and Fastrip convenience store/gas stations, and major truck stops along I-5, where distracted driving is a common issue.
Remember, it is never acceptable to use a hand-held, unmounted cell phone while driving. Not in traffic, not when stopped at a red light. It is only legal when off the road and the vehicle is parked or when it is mounted and can be operated with a single swipe of a finger.
Fresno County Traffic Ticket Defender: Why You Need an Attorney
A Fresno County traffic ticket defender can help you fight your illegal cell phone use ticket and potentially avoid DMV points and insurance rate hikes.
With the risks so high, hiring a lawyer is often the best way to protect your driving record and avoid long-term financial consequences.
If you received a ticket in Fresno Courthouse, consult a traffic attorney today.
Consult Bigger & Harman to Possibly Avoid Illegal Cell Phone Use Consequences
If you face illegal cell phone use consequences in Fresno Courthouse in Fresno County, call Bigger & Harman in Bakersfield at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our convenient, easy-to-use contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
California’s AB-47, Distracted Driving, amendment of CA VC Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.