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California Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: California bans handheld phone use for all drivers — you can only use your phone hands-free.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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California bans handheld phone use for all drivers — you can only use your phone hands-free. See Calif. Veh. Code 23123.5.

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaRestricted
Arizona bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free is required instead. See Ariz. Rev. Stat. 28-914.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaRestricted
Nevada bans handheld use — talking, texting, and data — for all drivers, and requires hands-free use statewide (NRS 484B.165).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
OregonRestricted
Oregon bans holding or using any mobile electronic device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead (ORS 811.507).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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