The financial consequences and ramifications of an illegal cell phone use conviction or paid fine may not be immediately apparent with a first-time ticket.
Mobile Phone Use: The Legal Ramifications and Consequences
Illegal cell phone use while driving can cause serious legal and financial consequences in California—especially after a second offense.
If you’ve received a citation in Porterville or Visalia in Tulare County, you’re not alone. We’ve helped many clients navigate the complexities of these charges.
A traffic ticket attorney from our firm can help you fight back and protect your record.
The Hidden Financial Costs of Illegal Cell Phone Use
Many drivers assume a cell phone ticket is just a minor expense—typically $150 for a first offense and $260 for subsequent offenses. However, a second offense within three years will raise your auto insurance premiums and make if more costly than it looks.
A conviction for illegal cell phone use adds up quickly.
According to Bankrate.com:
“Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,835 per year in California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $670 per year.”
You also lose your 20% good driver discount, which could cost you an extra $567 per year. With a texting or handheld phone violation, your rate may go up 10–12%, or roughly $850 annually.
The consequences are even greater if your teen driver is ticketed. Adding them to your policy already raises rates—and a violation can make it much worse.
Once again, Bankrate says:
“California parents adding a 16-year-old driver to their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $7,154 per year.”
Imagine adding 30 to 32% annually to that already outrageous premium amount.
Why You Should Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Challenging an illegal cell phone use charge on your own can be a stressful experience.
A local Tulare County traffic attorney can:
Submit all the necessary documents and request the officer’s report.
Request immediate dismissal when warranted.
Appear in court so you don’t have to.
These actions can help protect your record and keep your insurance rates stable. For more than a decade, we’ve helped thousands of California drivers do exactly that.
How a Lawyer Helps You Fight Illegal Cell Phone Use Charges
We know the process inside and out. Our team identifies weaknesses in the citation or officer’s report that can lead to a reduction or dismissal. And if that’s not possible, we can often negotiate for traffic school or an alternate no-point conviction.
Remember, the second offense under AB-47 triggers a NOTS point. That affects your driving record and insurance premiums for up to three years.
Local Voice Search Tip: Find Legal Help Fast
Many people use voice commands like “Can Bigger & Harman help me with an illegal cell phone use ticket in Tulare County?”
Google will respond with: Yes, Bigger & Harman can likely assist with an illegal cell phone use ticket in Tulare County. They are a traffic ticket law firm specializing in defending against traffic violations in California, including those related to cell phone use.
Try it yourself.
Bigger & Harman’s Tulare County traffic attorneys understand the judges, court procedures, and how to present your case effectively.
Why Illegal Cell Phone Use Laws Are So Strict
California’s AB-47, Distracted Driving, amended CA VC Section 23123.5, Illegal Cell Phone Use, so that the DMV is authorized to assess a second conviction in 36 months with one NOTS point.
A single ticket may not hurt your license or insurance. But a second one certainly will if you are convicted.
That’s why it’s so important to take every violation seriously.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Your Illegal Cell Phone Use Ticket
If you have been issued an illegal cellphone use ticket in Tulare County that needs resolution in Porterville or Visalia Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Our office regularly represents drivers in Visalia or Porterville Courthouse. We understand how frustrating these citations can be and how damaging they are to your record and finances.
Let us fight your ticket, protect your record, and keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Will I get points for an illegal cell phone use ticket if I pay the fine?
A: Only on a second conviction or paid fine within 36 months of the first. Then the DMV assesses one NOTS point. Your insurance provider will likely remove your 20% “good driver’s discount” and add 10 to 12% risk, which costs Tulare County full coverage holders approximately $799.28 to $852.48 more per year than those in the same categories with no points. Further, these increases will remain for up to three years.
Q: Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a mobile phone use ticket?
A: Absolutely. The fine is small, but the insurance hikes, as shown above, will cost you much more. An experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney can push for a dismissal or possibly negotiate and an alternate charge that does not include points. The difference in increased premiums alone will likely pay for the lawyer after just one year.
Q: Can a traffic ticket lawyer get an illegal cell phone use ticket dismissed?
A: Possibly. Although there are no guarantees, we will push for a dismissal when errors procedural issues warrant it.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
AB-47, Distracted Driving, the July 2021 amendment to CA VC Section 23123.5, Illegal Cell Phone Use.