California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesHard
You are driving and want to send a quick text message. What is the safest and most legal way to do this in California?
- APull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot and stop completely.
- BWait until you are stopped at a red light or in heavy traffic.
- CHold your phone briefly away from your ear to type the message.
- DUse a hands-free device to dictate the message while driving.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot and stop completely.
California law prohibits holding and operating a cell phone for any purpose, including texting, while driving. The only legal and safe way to send a text message is when your vehicle is stopped completely and safely off the traveled portion of the road, such as pulled over on the shoulder or in a parking lot.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Even when stopped at a red light or in traffic, it is illegal to hold and operate a cell phone for texting in California.
- C. Holding the phone to type is illegal in California and highly distracting.
- D. While hands-free voice-to-text is generally allowed for adults over 18, the question asks for the 'safest and most legal' way, and even hands-free can be distracting. Pulling over is unequivocally safest and legal.
Distracted Driving (Texting CA)
California law regarding cell phone use for texting while driving.
- Illegal to hold and operate a cell phone for texting while driving.
- Applies even when stopped at a red light or in traffic.
- Must be stopped safely off the road to text legally.
Memory trick: Phone in hand? Not on the road, understand! Pull over, or bear the load.