Bill Text: CA AB2073 | 2021-2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 2073 (Prior Session Legislation)

CA State Legislature page for AB2073

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Vehicles: wireless telephones.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-04-25 - In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. [AB2073 Detail]

Download: California-2021-AB2073-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 2073

Introduced by Assembly Member Patterson

February 14, 2022

An act to amend Section 12810.3 of the Vehicle Code, relating to driver’s licenses.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2073, as introduced, Patterson. Driver records: points: distracted driving courses.

Existing law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving. Existing law also prohibits a person from driving while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the telephone or device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and is used in that manner while driving. A person who is 18 years of age or younger is prohibited from driving while using a wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device, even if equipped with a hands-free device.

Existing law requires that specified convictions, violations, and traffic-related incidents count as points against a driver’s record for purposes of suspension or revocation of the privilege to drive and that certain other violations do not result in a violation point. Existing law also generally provides that traffic convictions involving the safe operation of a motor vehicle result in a violation point. Existing law makes an electronic device violation that occurs within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense subject to a violation point against the driver’s record.

This bill would provide that a violation point would not be given for an electronic device violation under those circumstances if the driver successfully completes a distracted driving course that has been approved by the department.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 12810.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

12810.3.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 12810, a violation point shall be given only for a conviction of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 23123, subdivision (a) of Section 23123.5, or subdivision (b) of Section 23124, occurring on or after July 1, 2021, that occurs within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense.

(b) A violation point shall not be given for a violation described in subdivision (a) if the driver successfully completes a distracted driving course that has been approved by the department.