A driver's first cell phone or mobile phone ticket conviction or paid fine is not a point. However, many people mistakenly think that if there is no point it will not raise their auto insurance rates; Insurance companies can and often do raise rates even if no point is given. Since the enactment of AB-47 in 2021, a second paid fine for a cell phone within three years will not only effect your rates even more, but it will also carry a point against your driving record.
California Assembly Bill AB-47, Distracted Driving, is an amendment to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 23123.5that authorizes the DMV to add a NOTS point to a driver's record for repeated distracted driving violations within a 36-month period.
Once your auto insurance provider gets word of your either a first or a second conviction for a cell phone or mobile phone ticket, it will probably take your “good driver’s discount” of 20%, and add the risk associated with distracted driving. For a first offense, we recommend you ask your insurance agent if it will be held against you. For a second offense, it is almost certainly going to raise your rates.
That means that at renewal, your auto insurance premium will be 32% higher than your already too expensive premium.
“Full coverage auto insurance in California costs 16 percent more than the national average car insurance costs.”—Bankrate.com.
The average driver in Hanford, CA, pays $2,555 annually for full coverage, which is 19% less than the California average. Granted, some pay less and many pay more, especially those with a teenager on their policy.
“Parents adding a teen driver to their policy can expect to pay 130 percent more than the California average cost of full coverage.”—Bankrate.com.
That means they pay an average of $5,876 for full coverage annually. You certainly wouldn’t want to add 32% by paying the fine for a cell phone ticket without disputing it, would you? That would add around $1,880 per year for three years or until the DMV takes the paid ticket off your record.
Imagine paying $5,900 more for insurance because you checked a text while sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic.
Insurance companies determine your auto insurance premium based on factors like your age, driving record, and location, with higher-risk profiles resulting in higher premiums. Other factors used include the type of vehicle you drive, how much you drive (mileage), and the type of coverage and deductibles you choose.
However, thanks to Proposition 103, your credit score cannot be used as a factor to determine your policy cost in California, but your driving record and age are.
Understanding the Cost of a Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Ticket
The fine might seem small, but the true cost adds up fast. A first offense carries a $20 base fine, but after state fees, it’s closer to $150. A second or third violation can exceed $250.
What most drivers overlook is how a conviction affects insurance. Even one violation can raise rates for years. If you regularly drive through Hanford intersections like 12th Avenue and Lacey Boulevard, local law enforcement officers are watching for violators using their phones at the red light or while stuck in traffic.
How a Ticket Impacts Insurance and Your Driving Record
A cell phone or mobile phone ticket can result in DMV points.
One point might not seem like much, but it stays on your record for up to three years. Insurance companies use these points to determine risk, and even a single distracted driving violation can increase premiums significantly.
Many drivers also ask about traffic school. Depending on the violation and your record, attending traffic school may keep the point from appearing on your DMV report. However, eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and prior violations. Ask an attorney before paying the fine.
Legal Defenses for a Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Ticket
There are valid reasons you might have been using your phone while driving. For instance, California law allows phone use in emergencies.
We will review the officer’s statement:
·Whether the officer observed you holding the phone.
·If you were safely using hands-free mode.
·Whether your use qualified as an emergency exception.
We carefully analyze each detail to determine if your citation can be reduced or dismissed. Every case is unique and we work hard to give you a good defense.
Why Insurance Rates Often Rise After a Ticket
Insurance companies interpret distracted driving tickets as high-risk behavior.
Once a cell phone or mobile phone ticket appears on your record, expect higher premiums for up to three years.
If you drive through busy Hanford routes like Highway 198 or nearby Highway 99, even a moment of distraction could lead to a ticket. Likewise, the intersection at 7th Street and Douty Street is the scene of many distracted driving tickets.
Avoiding a conviction is often the best way to prevent long-term financial fallout.
NOTE: Some sections of Highway 198 in and around Hanford are being upgraded to a more freeway-like expressway to match the existing expressway that connects Lemoore Station and Hanford. Remember, speeding fines are doubled in construction areas.
Why Work with Bigger & Harman, APC
At Bigger & Harman, we handle cases like yours every day.
We know how stressful it is to face rising insurance costs and DMV penalties. Our attorneys have extensive experience with California traffic law and understand local court procedures in Kings County.
We focus on:
·Reducing or dismissing charges.
·Keeping points off your record.
·Saving you from extreme auto insurance rate increases.
Our team can appear in court for you, saving time and minimizing the disruption to your day-to-day life.
Ask Bigger & Harman About Disputing a Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Ticket
Let us assist you in disputing a cell phone or mobile phone ticket in Hanford Courthouse, and potentially avoid insurance premium increases. Call Bigger & Harman today at (661) 349-9300. Para Español, marque 349-9755.
Additionally, use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Here at Bigger & Harman, APC, our Central Valley traffic ticket attorneys have been defending traffic tickets for over a decade.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Will a paid fine for a cell phone or mobile phone ticket raise my insurance rates in Hanford, CA?
A: For a first offense, check with your insurance provider. But the answer is probably “yes.” Since the enactment of AB-47, a paid fine for a second cell phone ticket will be assessed NOTS points by the DMV. At renewal, you’ll likely pay 32% more for your auto insurance for 36 to 39 months.
Q: Can I attend traffic school for a cell phone or mobile phone ticket?
A: Traffic Violator School (TVS) attendance eligibility depends on your prior record and the specific violation. Ask a traffic attorney about your specific circumstances.
Q: Why should I hire an attorney for a cell phone ticket if the fine is only $150 or $260?
A: The fine is just the beginning. The average Kings County, CA driver realizes an increase of $817.60 per year for three years after a paid fine.
References:
The CA Insurance Commissioner’s office, Prop 103 Consumer Intervenor Process.
CA VC 23123.5, Driving Offenses, and AB-47, Distracted Driving.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.