Getting a cell phone or mobile phone ticket in Kern County is more serious than you think.
We know that many drivers in Bakersfield assume it is just a small fine. However, a second offense can devastate your household budget by raising your insurance premium by up to 32%, including the removal of the “good driver’s discount of 20%” and affecting your driving record.
The DMV now adds a NOTS point for a second conviction within three years. This change comes from AB-47, Distracted Driving, and targets repeat distracted driving behaviors. One ticket affects your wallet, but a second one impacts your license for up to three years.
What Counts as Illegal Use of a Handheld Device?
California law makes it illegal to hold or operate a phone while driving. This includes texting, scrolling, or calling while driving. You must pull off the road and park before you touch your phone.
Enforcement is in full effect on SR-99 near Bakersfield, CA and I-5 near Lamont, CA.
The only exception to holding a phone is for making an emergency call. Otherwise, your phone must be mounted on the dashboard or the center console, within reach without releasing your seatbelt to use it. You are only allowed to use a single swipe of the finger to operate it.
How AB-47 Affects a Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Ticket
A first conviction usually results in a fine of approximately $150, and a second or subsequent conviction or paid fine is $260.
However, the penalties for a cell phone or mobile phone ticket increase with time. A second offense within 36 months triggers a NOTS point assessment by the DMV on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
These points are part of the DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS). Accumulating points leads to a higher risk of a suspended or revoked license. We treat these citations with the same urgency as speeding tickets and other infractions.
The Frustration of Higher Insurance Premiums
One ticket might not immediately raise your rates, but a second one will. Most insurers in California will cancel your "good driver" discount for three years. According to Bankrate.com, full coverage in Bakersfield will cost the average driver $2,925 per year.
In Lamont, CA, the average cost for full coverage is roughly $2,973 annually. A second ticket could jump your premium rate by 30 to 32 percent. This adds $850 or more to your insurance bill every single year.
Many drivers believe they don’t need full coverage; however, many lienholders require it for new car loans.
Protecting Young Drivers on I-5 Near Lamont, CA
Providing insurance on your policy for a teenager is already too expensive for most families in Kern County.
Adding a 16-year-old in Bakersfield can reach $6,725 per year, or 130% more than the California average for full coverage. A 30 percent hike on that premium makes the cost nearly impossible to manage for many families.
Law enforcement often monitors the heavy traffic on I-5 near Lamont, CA. They watch for drivers using a handheld device while stuck in stalled traffic. Even being stopped at a red light does not make phone use legal.
Why You Need a Kern County Traffic Attorney
Not all citations for handheld device use are as simple as they may appear at first glance. It is smart to speak with a traffic attorney before you pay the fine.
We have helped many drivers in Kern County fight these specific tickets not only in Bakersfield or Lamont, but also in Delano, Ridgecrest, Mojave, and Shafter Courthouse, as well.
We look for procedural errors, an officer’s inconsistent testimony, or technicalities that could lead to a dismissal.
Our team can also speak with the judge to keep points off your record. We strive to lower your fines and protect your long-term driving privileges.
Handling Your Case in the Lamont Courthouse
Your case will likely go through the Bakersfield or Lamont Courthouse. We know how to present a strong defense in these local traffic court settings.
Representing yourself is an option, but the rules are often very confusing, and self-incrimination is always a dilemma.
An experienced traffic ticket attorney improves your chances for a positive outcome. Working with us is the best way to protect your peace of mind. We fight to keep your insurance low and your license clear of unnecessary NOTS points.
Contact Bigger & Harman About a Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Ticket in Kern County
Consult a traffic ticket attorney before deciding to pay the ticket.
We could help you avoid a court appearance and high insurance premium increases. Our team fights to keep NOTS points from ever reaching your DMV record.
If you received a cell phone or mobile phone ticket, call us today. We defend drivers in the Bakersfield and Lamont Courthouse every week. Contact Bigger & Harman at (661) 367-8232 for a free consultation—se habla Español.
We assist drivers in challenging tickets in Kern County courts, focusing on avoiding insurance increases, points, and license suspensions.
Use our convenient and secure contact form, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Can I use my phone if I am stopped in traffic or at a red light?
A: Only when the phone is mounted or part of an internal communication system. California law requires you to be safely parked before holding and using a handheld device. Using a phone at a red light can result in a ticket.
Q: When does a cell phone or mobile phone ticket add points?
A: A first offense does not add a point to your license. A second conviction within three years results in one NOTS point on your record. However, it is wise to consult a traffic ticket attorney about all tickets—some are easier to get dismissed than others.
Q: Will hiring a traffic attorney help me save money?
A: Possibly. While there is a legal fee, avoiding insurance hikes can save you thousands. A 30% premium increase over three years typically outweighs the cost of a lawyer by a wide margin.
References:
CA VC Section 23123.5, Driving Offenses & AB-47, Distracted Driving.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2026.